News Release
For Immediate Release
July 3, 2015
Happy Valley – Goose Bay, NL – A $2.1 million investment announcement was made at the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay’s June Town Council Meeting, awarding tender to Grey Rock Services for a new Building Canada Fund Water Main Replacement Infrastructure Project.
The Water Main Replacement Project is replacing infrastructure that dates back 50 to 60 years, and is one of five upgrades to commence this year. The following upgrades comprise a $3.8 million investment by the Town of Happy Valley-Goose Bay in its water system and infrastructure over the next year:
1. Building Canada Fund, Water Main Replacement Infrastructure Project (Late July-September 2015)
2. Pressure Reducing Valve (Scheduled for Saturday, July 4th)
3. Inspection to water reservoir (August 2015)
4. Water quality & quantity upgrades at the Water Treatment Plant (August 2015)
5. Expansion of the well field (expected completion by Summer 2016)
“The Town understands the concerns and frustration of residents in regards to water in our community. We anticipate these upgrades will result in a substantial improvement to the quality and quantity of the Town’s water system,” said Mayor Jamie Snook. “Council will continue to allocate funds for the continuous upgrade and maintenance of the Town’s water system and infrastructure. Wellness is important to our residents and healthy water is the first component in creating a healthy community.”
The Town is currently developing a Water and Sewer Master Plan and is anticipating Dr. Merline Fonkwe’s, Memorial University’s Labrador Institute, final report results in March 2016. This research will assist the Town in identifying specific areas for upgrades and improvement.
The Municipality works closely with the Provincial Government to meet and exceed their requirements for potable water. The Town conducts testing on its water supply in two parts:
1. Water testing for residual chlorine is conducted seven days a week at various distribution centres.
2. Water testing is conducted five days a week at the Water Treatment Plant for the following:
o Iron
o Manganese
o Chlorine
o Conductivity (saline)
o PH (corrosion control)
The Department of Environment and Conservation in Happy Valley-Goose Bay also conducts water testing four times a year. The results of the Provincial water testing are available on the Government of Newfoundland and Labrador’s website and the Town encourages the public to read the results and compare them to other municipalities in the Province.
“Town employees in our Water and Sewer Department take great pride in working hard to produce quality water for our community,” said Mayor Snook. “The Town is dealing with aging water infrastructure which requires substantial upgrades. We ask residents to be mindful that while we are working to improve the Municipal water system, these upgrades require time.”
In 2013, the Town submitted a proposal to construct a splash pad at Kinsmen Park for the benefit of the community. The Town is working with the Department of Environment and Conservation to address the water quantity issues and infrastructure upgrades required to move this project forward. We anticipate the project to commence in late 2016 or 2017.
The Town appreciates the patience of residents as we perform the necessary upgrades to the community’s water system and infrastructure.
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For more information, please contact:
Naomi Sharpe
Public Relations & Special Events Manager
Town of Happy Valley – Goose Bay
P: 709-896-3254
publicrelations@hvgb.wpengine.com