The Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant Corporation is making headway on its plant renewal project. 

During his annual report, which was presented to City Council on Monday night, President and CEO Ryan Johnson said the project is about 70 per cent completed in its design phase at the end of 2021. 

As the design phase advanced, the corporation did a value engineering session to reduce project costs and, as of August of 2021, the project is estimated to be on budget. 

Financing is in place for the $225 million project. About $163.4 million will be coming from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program grant and $60 million in debt financing that was received in December. 

“The project, once complete, will address the current risks, ensure the sustainability of the water supply to the cities of Regina, Moose Jaw and the region, provide resiliency for climate change, and meet the growth demands of the region up to about the year 2050,” Johnson said. 

Johnson added in his report that all projects for 2021 have either been completed or are in progress. 

The lake pump station electrical work and pump upgrades are nearly completed. It was commissioned in April and it is just a matter of working on deficiencies now, according to Johnson. 

The plant completed its first environmental strategy plan in 2021, which outlined six major goals: 

  1. Utilizing 100 per cent renewable power. 
  2. Increase energy interdependence and decarbonize backup systems. 
  3. Develop resource conscience maintenance and maintenance operating program and procedures. 
  4. Minimize water content in sludge disposal 
  5. Be recognized as a leader in low-carbon emissions and wastewater discharges. 
  6. Encourage public engagement in education in sustainable water management and resource conservation. 

It was a strong year financially for the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant in 2021 due to last summer’s drought. 

“Financially, the corporation had a small operating surplus of $150,000, most of which is from water sales over budget due to the hot, dry weather experienced last year,” Johnson said. 

He said that 2022 is a “status quo” budget with minor adjustments for inflationary impacts. 

Water rates are expected to stay the same for 2022, so the plant is expecting a $195,000 deficit that will be offset by last year’s surplus. The total cost for water sold to the city is 61 cents per cubic metre. 

The plant's goal after the plant renewal project is complete is to have operating rates set at the Consumer Price Index or close to it.