After three years of studies, applications, ongoing work and discussions with the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation and other local and Provincial Governments, the Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) broke ground on construction of the Church Road Well Field in Granthams Landing.
“I am so proud of this project and the team that has been working behind the scenes from the initial studies to today with our groundbreaking,” says Remko Rosenboom, SCRD General Manager of Infrastructure Services. “Once completed, this well will provide a projected additional supply just short of five million litres of water per day to the Chapman Water System.”
Construction of the project will be undertaken by a local company, Maycon Construction Ltd.
“While we are hopeful that this water source will be available in late Summer, early Fall, we cannot commit to a firm date and we will provide regular updates to our community as the construction progresses,” says Rosenboom. “It is intended that the addition of this and the other water sources currently under development, along with water conservation in our community will result in the community not having to exceed Stage 2 water regulations through the Summer months.”
The construction of the Church Road Well will result in traffic disruption for a number of residents and commuters in the Granthams and Upper Gibsons Areas. In February, affected residents in the area received mailed notifications informing them of the disruptions. SCRD staff will be available throughout the project to address any concerns which may come up. “Increasing and diversifying our vital water supply has been a priority for the SCRD Board and it is great to finally break ground on this important project,” says SCRD Board Chair, Darnelda Siegers. “The SCRD Board is aware that while this project will add considerably to our water supply, there is more to be done. We will continue to move ahead with projects to help prevent a need for strict water conservation measures during the Summer.”
Featured image: (L to R): Lori Pratt (SCRD Director, Halfmoon Bay), Adam Nanson (Maycon Construction), Councilor Wilson Williams (Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Nation), Darnelda Siegers (SCRD Board Chair), Remko Rosenboom, (SCRD General Manager, Infrastructure Services), Mayor Bill Beamish (Town of Gibsons), Mark Hiltz (SCRD Director, West Howe Sound). (SCRD)
