The Need for Expansion
The East Lagoon treats the majority of the community's wastewater and has reached the limits of both its storage and treatment capacity. Engineering studies determined that the lagoon no longer provides sufficient storage capacity for current and future wastewater volumes and the existing treatment process cannot consistently meet federal wastewater effluent standards.
The expanded facility is designed to accommodate Candle Lake's projected growth for approximately the next 20 years and will improve environmental protection by ensuring treated effluent meets regulatory requirements.
This is one of the largest infrastructure projects ever undertaken by the Resort Village.
This image shows the existing East Lagoon (water-filled cells). The excavated area to the left and in the foreground is the expansion, which will nearly double the lagoon's size and significantly increase wastewater storage and treatment capacity.
The Project
The project includes:
- Expanding the lagoon's storage capacity by enlarging and reconfiguring the existing cells.
- Constructing a new aerated treatment cell to significantly improve wastewater treatment.
- Installing a new aeration system, piping, and associated infrastructure.
- Upgrades to meet current provincial and federal wastewater treatment regulations while providing capacity for future growth.
Project Timeline
- Fall 2025 to End of 2026
Project Cost & Funding Structure
- Total Cost: $6.6 million
- Council secured approximately 73% of the total cost through the federal and provincial Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP).
- The municipal is contributing the remaining 27% of the cost.
- To fund the Village's share of the project, Council established a $100 annual Liquid Waste Management Base Charge for each property. These funds are dedicated to recover both the Village's capital investment in the lagoon expansion and the ongoing operating and lifecycle costs of the wastewater system.
- The East Lagoon also provides service to neighbouring areas outside the Resort Village, and so the Resort Village negotiated an agreement with the RM of Paddockwood whereby the RM will collect and remit an equivalent $100 annual base charge for properties within the Aspen Ridge and Cranberry Creek residential developments that utilize the Village's lagoon system. This will help ensure all users contribute fairly toward the cost of maintaining and improving the regional wastewater infrastructure.
Contractors
Associated Engineering completed the design and managed the competitive tendering process. Following a competitive public tender, the construction contract was awarded to Get Green Erosion Control Inc.