North Cowichan’s mayor says the municipality has received an update on plans to replace a water main serving thousands of residents and businesses.
Mayor Rob Douglas said the aging pipe is nearing the end of its expected service life.
The project was originally estimated at $11.4 million, but the municipality says engineering work has reduced the projected cost to about $8.4 million.
A parallel water main can provide backup, meaning a section crossing the Cowichan River is no longer needed.
Douglas said the municipality has applied for $3.4 million in federal funding and could receive another $4.8 million through future development cost charges.
The remaining cost would be borrowed, with the process currently targeted for fall 2027.
“Because of the upcoming election and the work required to update the affected service-area maps, the current target for the borrowing process is fall 2027, although staff are exploring ways to move this timeline forward,” said Douglas.
In the meantime, the municipality has purchased emergency repair kits in case the aging pipe fails.
Douglas said the project highlights the importance of maintaining and investing in the municipality’s water infrastructure.
