After several years of project planning and engineering design work, construction work on the Phillips Reservoir UV Disinfection Facility Project is officially underway.
At an event today (June 2), several local government dignitaries, City staff, project partners, consultants and the project contractor team were all on hand to mark the occasion.
The City of Cranbrook says this project will modernize drinking water treatment by adding ultraviolet (UV) disinfection to the water treatment process, alongside a new sodium hypochlorite system.
“This is an important and exciting day where we officially kick off a project that will further protect the City’s water quality and provide safe and clean drinking water for decades to come,” says Mayor Wayne Price.
Together, these upgrades create a dual-barrier treatment system that improves water quality, enhances safety for both the public and operators, and ensures the City continues to meet provincial drinking water standards.
“Investments in modern water infrastructure are essential to building healthy and sustainable communities,” says Stephen Fuhr, MP for Kelowna and Secretary of State for Defence Procurement.
It will also help the City maintain its current treatment approach and defer the need for a much more expensive filtration treatment plant, which could cost more than $100 million to build and would add high ongoing operating costs.
In March 2024, the City of Cranbrook was awarded $9.5 million in funding through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program – Environmental Quality Stream, with $5.20 million from the Government of Canada and $4.33 million from both the Government of Canada and the Province of BC.
The City says it contributed $3.46 million to the pot.
“People in Cranbrook will benefit from safer, more dependable drinking water that protects their health for now and for generations to come,” says Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs.
The new Phillips Reservoir UV Disinfection Facility is expected to be completed and operational by the fall of 2027.
Phillips Reservoir UV Disinfection Facility Project (Image Credit: The City of Cranbrook)
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