Upgrades to Lac La Biche Wastewater Treatment Facility to Alleviate Service Constraints, Deliver Environmentally Sustainable Infrastructure

Lac La Biche County, Alberta – On behalf of the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, Brian Jean, Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray- Athabasca, today announced that the Government of Canada will contribute up to $3.8 million through the P3 Canada Fund towards the Lac La Biche Biological Nutrient Removal (BNR) Wastewater Treatment Facility.
“Our government understands that an investment in infrastructure is an investment in our future. P3s are an innovative approach to delivering better public infrastructure and ensuring maximum value of taxpayer’s dollars,” said Brian Jean, Member of Parliament for Fort McMurray-Athabasca. “This new wastewater treatment facility will help the County create and deliver a long-term, modern approach to wastewater management that is environmentally responsible, sustainable and safe for all surrounding communities.”

Mr. Jean was joined at the event by his colleague, Mayor Peter Kirylchuk. Lac La Biche County will invest up to $2.7 million towards the construction of the BNR Wastewater Facility. The Province of Alberta will invest an additional $12 million to the entire project.
“We are proud of this partnership, which will support the construction and operation of a new state-of-the-art water treatment facility that will serve our community for many years to come,” Mayor Kirylchuk said.

“Public-private partnerships bring together important public infrastructure initiatives and the expertise of the private sector,” said Greg Melchin, Chair of PPP Canada.  “PPP Canada is committed to making this happen in a way that ensures value for Canadian taxpayers.”

The new facility will respond to the current restraints placed on Lac La Biche’s disposal practices; build an environmentally responsible and sustainable plant that is safe to all surrounding communities and residents; and deliver a long-term, modern approach to wastewater management in the County.
The proposed project will include: construction of a new biological nutrient removal wastewater treatment facility, which will have the capacity to service 15,000 residents; reconstruction of the lagoon berms; disconnection of the existing force main from the lagoon and the rehabilitation/replacement of the existing aeration equipment.