The Town of Drumheller is respecting the wishes of Lehigh and East Coulee residents by not imposing water distribution systems on the communities.
The town will, however, continue with the transmission line from Cambria to the western edge of East Coulee.
The town has received 90 per cent funding for the transmission line ($4 million), but the distribution system that would bring water to the edge of residential properties would have been funded through a local improvement tax. Residents of East Coulee and Lehigh overwhelmingly rejected the project, and the town is cognizant of the directive of the residents.
“Most of the residences of the outlying communities have their own well systems and those who can afford it have even added their own residential treatment systems. We respect and recognize the clear opposition to the installation of a distribution system so that residents can continue to benefit from their investment in their private well systems,” says Mayor Terry Yemen.
The transmission line is expected to be constructed in 2012 and there are plans for filling stations and fire suppression facilities. This will also allow residents with property along the line to negotiate hooking up to the system.
“If they (residents from Cambria to Lehigh) express an interest, they will meet with administration, and each price will be different depending on how far they have to go,” said Yemen.
Council is planning to send a letter to residents along the line in the near future outlining their options with the addition of the transmission line.
