The County of Stettler has signed onto a regional initiative to study the future of wastewater infrastructure around Buffalo Lake.
At its Sept. 23 meeting, council voted to support Rochon Sands’ application under the Alberta Community Partnership grant program for the Buffalo Lake Regional Wastewater Feasibility and Action Plan.
Rochon Sands will act as managing partner for the five municipalities surrounding the lake, and are seeking $150,000 in provincial funding, towards a total project budget of $175,000.
The remaining $25,000 will be split equally among the five lake municipalities, leaving each with a $5,000 share to meet the province’s 10 percent funding requirement.
The feasibility study will review and update technical data that is nearly two decades old, including a 2006 South Buffalo Lake engineering study and a 2007 Camrose County study for Pelican Point and the north shore.
Planning staff noted the project will update growth projections, evaluate private and communal systems, carry out water quality testing, and examine potential regional governance structures.
Council was assured that approving the feasibility study carries no obligation to build infrastructure, or commit to future capital expenses beyond the $5,000 contribution.
Grant approval notification is expected from the province by March 31, 2027, with a consultant to be hired in the spring if approved.
The five municipalities surrounding Buffalo Lake include the County of Stettler, Lacombe County, Camrose County and the Summer Villages of White Sands and Rochon Sands.
Author: Landin Chambers
Landin Chambers is a news reporter for Hometown Media Stettler. He has a background in broadcast news, with previous roles in Prince George, Red Deer and Calgary. You may also see him as a cameraman for the Stettler Wildcats and Stettler Imperials. Have a story idea? Email: lchambers@htproductionsmedia.ca
