City approves more than $500k in water infrastructure upgrades

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — City council has approved more than $500,000 in work on water infrastructure throughout Fort St. John. 

During the July 14th regular council meeting, the City of Fort St. John approved a project to upgrade multiple water services and replace hydrants and valves throughout the city. 

The services and hydrants being replaced are the oldest in the city’s water main loop, and will allow for a reduction of workload associated with the older infrastructure. 

The tender, issued on June 19th and closed on July 3rd, saw three companies bid on the project: two from Fort St. John and another from Chilliwack. 

Knappett Industries, a general contractor company based in B.C. with offices in Fort St. John, was ultimately awarded the tender at a cost of $535,710. 

The budget for the project was set by the city at $750,000, which brings the approved tender bid well under budget. 

According to a staff report presented to council, residents of the city will be made aware of construction through the city’s web page and social media. 

Affected residents and businesses will also be invited to meetings related to the construction prior to its commencement. 

No information was provided on the timeline for the construction, when meetings will be held or social media announcements will be made, with staff only specifying plans will begin “as weather conditions permit,” according to staff.