Governments of Canada and Alberta Join in Public-Private Partnership to Renew the Evan-Thomas Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility: Upgrades to Deliver Environmentally Sustainable Infrastructure, Enhance Public Health Benefits

September 12, 2011

Kananaskis Country, Alberta, September 12, 2011 – On behalf of the Honourable Jim Flaherty, Minister of Finance, the Honourable Ted Menzies, Minister of State (Finance), announced that the Government of Canada will contribute up to $9.95 million through the P3 Canada Fund towards the Evan-Thomas Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility project in Kananaskis Country, Alberta.

“Public-private partnerships are increasingly becoming an innovative solution to delivering the public infrastructure Canadians need in a way that represents the best value for taxpayers,” said Minister Menzies. “This partnership will deliver a long-term, sustainable approach to water and wastewater management in the Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area that is environmentally sustainable and safe to all surrounding communities.”

“Alberta’s innovative P3 procurement approaches for delivering schools and roads have proven successful. Now, in cooperation with PPP Canada, we are paving the way for other communities with what could serve as a P3 template for their water and wastewater infrastructure projects,” said Ray Danyluk, Minister of Alberta Infrastructure.

Once selected, the private sector partner will design, construct and provide partial financing for the Evan-Thomas Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility project. The partner will also be responsible for operations and maintenance of the new water treatment plant, the new wastewater treatment plant, and the water storage and distribution systems for 10 years after construction is completed. Ownership of the facility will rest with the Alberta government.

“The partnership with PPP Canada and the renewal of this facility, originally built in the 1980s, are essential for ensuring that the growing number of residents, visitors and businesses in Kananaskis Country’s Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area continue to have access to a safe and secure water supply into the future,” said Janis Tarchuk, MLA for Banff-Cochrane. “Likewise, the expansion and upgrades to the water storage and distribution system will enhance fire protection services throughout the area.”

The upgrades will address the treatment plant’s current capacity constraints, replace the aging infrastructure, and deliver public health benefits.

Upgrades to the water and wastewater treatment plant will include: construction of a new clear well and potable water reservoirs; and a new treatment building.

“PPP Canada is committed to bringing important public infrastructure initiatives and the expertise of the private sector together in a way that ensures value for Canadian taxpayers. Through its P3 Canada Fund, PPP Canada is encouraging the use of P3s by provinces, territories, municipalities and Aboriginal communities,” added Greg Melchin, Chair of the Board of Directors of PPP Canada Inc.