FAQs

Construction Questions

What steps are involved in the waterline replacement process?

The waterline replacement process involves excavation to expose the old line, removal of the existing line, installation of the new line, connection to the existing network, backfilling the trench, compaction, and site restoration. Finally, water quality tests are conducted before reestablishing regular water supply.

How long will the replacement of underground infrastructure in my area take?

The duration for replacing underground infrastructure can vary depending on factors such as the size of the line(s), length of replacement, ground conditions, depth of burial, and the density of other buried infrastructure, resulting in construction corridors that may take several weeks to several months to complete. In some areas, only water lines will be replaced, and in others, where sewer lines need to be separated from storm lines, there will be additional work. Once new construction corridors are announced, an estimated timeline will be provided; however, it is crucial to understand that these dates are subject to change and are intended to offer a rough estimate of the expected work duration.

What kind of pipe is being replaced? What is it being replaced with?

For both water and sewer lines a variety of different types and ages of pipes will be replaced including Ductile Iron, Copper, Wood, PVC, HDPE, and Concrete.

The new pipes will be a combination of PVC (Polyvinyl Chloride) and HDPE (High-Density Polyethylene) pipes. These materials have proven to be durable, reliable, and commonly used in modern water and sewer distribution systems. Our aim is to ensure a robust and long-lasting solution for the waterline replacement in your neighborhood.

Why do we need to separate storm/sewer?

Apart from it being mandated by the Federal government, a separated system is far more efficient during wet weather, as stormwater can be directly deposited via a separate pipe/transfer system to a nearby water body instead of being transferred to our eventual treatment system.

The City must transition to wastewater treatment in the coming years and we are piloting a wetland system to treat our wastewater in an area next to Park Avenue. If this system meets Federal treatment guidelines, it will save the community costs in the neighborhood of $100M. However, these wetlands take up space and with the separation of the storm water - the footprint will be drastically reduced to manageable sizes.

How is the City deciding where to also replace sewer lines?

In many parts of the community, we have a single pipe and catchments for both storm and sewer lines, which means that rainfall as well as wastewater coming from households and businesses are all transported in the same line. With planned work to implement wastewater treatment, it is inefficient to treat stormwater as well as wastewater, especially given how much stormwater our system receives in Prince Rupert. Separating storm and sewer is a key piece of having efficient wastewater treatment, so sewer lines are being replaced in areas where the storm and sewer lines have not yet been separated. This decision is also related to what we are able to fund with grant funding, which is specifically dedicated to replacing sewer that needs to be separated.

Will the BIG Project be paving all areas within or near the construction zones that need to be fixed from overuse?

For this particular project, funding provided to the City is to cover priority areas for replacement identified based on age and condition/status of water and sewer lines identified in our Infrastructure Replacement Strategy. This may mean that some areas that need roadway improvements are not covered as part of this immediate project, however areas outside the BIG project are still eligible for planned capital improvements through regular City budgeting processes.

Disruption Questions

Will the construction phase of the infrastructure replacement project be noisy or disruptive to impacted neighbourhoods?

If the water and/or sewer lines in your neighbourhood are being replaced, you will experience the following disruptions during the course of construction:

• Prolonged boil water notices
• Dust and/or muddy conditions
• Traffic bypasses
• Access to driveways may be temporarily lost
• Streets may be left in gravel states until paving windows
• Potential for augmented solid waste pick up – earlier pick up times, potential dumpster service in future

Construction projects also often involve noise and some disruptions. However, the project team will make efforts to minimize noise and disruptions. Construction schedules may be planned to avoid sensitive hours or areas (7 am – 5 pm), and residents will be notified in advance about any potential noise or disruptions outside of City Noise Bylaws.

How will the infrastructure replacement project impact traffic?

During the construction period, traffic will be impacted due to lane closures and detours that will be put in place to facilitate the work. These measures are necessary to ensure the safety of both motorists and construction crews. Drivers are advised to exercise caution, follow posted signage, and plan their routes accordingly to minimize any inconveniences caused by the temporary traffic disruptions.

How many houses will be impacted at a time?

The replacement work will move in phases through neighbourhoods and will impact limited sections of the street at a time. On Crestview, for instance, construction areas are anticipated to impact roughly 18 houses at a time on both sides of the street. Other neighbourhoods should be roughly within this range, with some variability depending on specific factors impacting construction.

How will garbage be collected if the road is closed?

Households with restricted access due to ongoing construction will continue to have their garbage and recycling collected on their regularly scheduled day, unless otherwise indicated. Provisions may be different for each area, depending on the needs of construction and accesses in particular areas. For Crestview, pick up will occur the same day, but earlier at 7 am to enable pick up to occur prior to the start of construction on those days. In other areas, residents will be provided specific notice with respect to their waste pick up and any changes.

If breaks happen in neighbourhoods outside of the planned corridor works for the year but within the overall project scope will the City conduct full-scale replacements?

This will need to be assessed on a case by case basis according to the scale of the break. Addressing each area of the community will start with a design process first. Where it makes sense, we may be able to conduct more fulsome repairs, however circumstances may vary.

We will make sure that we are not doubling the work. Anything that we do will be left so that it can be efficiently tied into once the construction is in that area.

How will the waterline replacement project be coordinated with other utilities?

The project team will coordinate with other utilities, such as gas, electricity, and telecommunications providers, to minimize conflicts and provide as smooth an implementation of the waterline replacement project as possible. Collaborative efforts will be made to avoid disruption of other utility services during the project.

The closure for pedestrian access at the end of Fredrick and Prince Rupert Blvd is impacting people who walk to work in that area. How is this going to be addressed?

Now that some of the major excavation work has been complete, the contractor is working to reopen pedestrian access in this area. For Shawatlan road leading to the industrial site, the City is working with the contractor to open it for pedestrian access as soon as it is safe to do so.

If work is occurring on my street, how long can I expect to be impacted for?

Construction is being planned according to a rolling schedule of work, with several work fronts operating at once. Our intent is to proceed through neighbourhoods incrementally and backfill as crews proceed. The length of time of the disruption will be somewhat dependent on your location within the construction area (ie. if you are at the beginning, middle, or end of a construction zone).

In addition, paving timing will always be dependent on weather windows and appropriate conditions. Final steps to complete and finish off paving works following backfilling may be impacted by those factors and may need to wait until Spring.

What will be the impacts during the investigation phase?

This work has already been completed in most Phase 1 and 2 corridors, and so disturbance information below is more for future areas for replacement.

Before we start doing the work, we will be conducting designs and investigative work in advance in the different neighbourhoods. During the investigation phase:

We do not suspect much disturbance.

You will see survey and paint marks everywhere

There may be some detours for geotechnical investigation

You may observe some camera work in the pipes and,

Overall activity on the streets (comings and goings) from the on-the-ground construction and design teams

I rely on the bus for transportation, how will I know if my bus route will be changed or impacted and how far in advance can I be informed?

Impacts are expected as construction progresses through areas like Hays Cove Ave, 11th, and Bacon Street. These closures may affect bus stops and require rerouting if both lanes are blocked.

The construction schedule is still being confirmed, and once finalized, we’ll notify BC Transit to update their routes. BC Transit will post alerts on their website about any changes to stops. You can find these updates at alerts.bctransit.com/prince-rupert.

If you believe there has been damage done to your property from this project, the City has a process for addressing potential claims.

Click Here to see more on the City's process on making a claim.

Household Questions

How do I prepare my home for a water disruption?

To prepare for this short-term disruption in service, we recommend that you draw a sufficient supply of water by filling containers for drinking/cooking water, and to fill a bathtub to supply water for flushing toilets during the shut-down period after the construction crew notifies you.

Property owners should take the following precautions during the service interruption:

Draw sufficient water to use during this period.

If you are concerned about internal plumbing, you may wish to turn off your private internal water shut off valve (also known as master valve).

Take such measures as may be necessary to protect your particular hot water unit or other plumbing installations against possible damage (see product specifications for details).

While service is disrupted, you can use a half a bucket or a four (4) litre (approx.) jug of water to flush your toilet by pouring it into the toilet bowl.

Do not leave faucets open when leaving the premises. When water is turned back on, this could cause flooding in your building.

When water service is restored, water coming from your taps may sputter, look milky and contain a small amount of debris. Do not be alarmed. Turn the cold water on in your bath tub or large sink and run for at least 10 minutes, ideally on the uppermost floor of your building. This is the largest faucet in your building and does not have a screen on it that will clog with debris. Once the water runs clear, you may proceed to flush the rest of the faucets in your building.

Do not run appliances that use the water system (laundry, dishwasher, and fridge water/ice dispensers) until the proper flushing has been completed as per the above instructions. The City of Prince Rupert accepts no liability for damage resulting from interrupted service.

How will parking be impacted by construction?

Parking availability on the street will be affected during the waterline replacement construction. Depending on the specific work being conducted, temporary parking restrictions or closures may be implemented in the construction zones for safety and logistical reasons. It is advisable to closely follow any parking guidelines or signage provided to avoid any inconvenience or potential towing of vehicles. Where boats and trailers are parked on street, they will need to be moved off the street during the construction timeframe.

Efforts will be made to minimize disruptions and provide alternative parking options whenever feasible. Efforts will be made to minimize disruptions and provide alternative parking options whenever feasible.

How will garbage be collected if the road is closed?

Households with restricted access due to ongoing construction will continue to have their garbage and recycling collected on their regularly scheduled day, unless otherwise indicated. Provisions may be different for each area, depending on the needs of construction and accesses in particular areas. For Crestview, pick up will occur the same day, but earlier at 7 am to enable pick up to occur prior to the start of construction on those days. In other areas, residents will be provided specific notice with respect to any changes to their waste pick up.

What will happen if I have landscaping or hardscaping obstructing the City line?

To safely replace the infrastructure, a clear and accessible right of way must be maintained. Existing City rights-of-way or roadways will be utilized for the majority of the work. where sheds or landscaping improvements have been done on City property, it will likely be necessary that structures, trees, and/or landscape improvements be removed from City-owned property so that the project can be completed safely. If you are concerned about your property, please notify the project team who can assess the situation, discuss possibilities, and coordinate work. However, it is important to note that the Project will neither provide reimbursement for removal of or undertake restoration of private installations within City right of way.

Will my driveway be affected?

Your driveway may be affected if your households water service valve is located within your driveway or close to it. In such cases, necessary measures will be taken to ensure that all affected driveways are restored to the standard set by the City of Prince Rupert. This means that any disruptions or modifications to driveways will be addressed and restored to a common standard as part of the project's guidelines and requirements.

Are there any specific precautions I should take before the waterline replacement project begins?

Please watch for notices related to the project in your neighborhood. Follow all public safety recommendations in the construction zones and be patient as this critical work progresses. The intent of the project team is to minimize disruptions to the public whenever possible. If you have encroached onto City property with any personal items, it is recommended to remove them in advance of the work. If you are concerned about the age and deterioration of your household pipes, it is recommended that you have a certified plumber review your personal water infrastructure prior to the construction start. Once your new water service has been installed, notice will be provided with directions to run all of your taps for a few minutes. Please keep an eye out for these notifications and follow directions provided.

There is someone in my household with accessibility concerns. What should I do?

The City has been actively seeking to collect information from people with disabilities and encourages anyone who knows a senior or person with accessibility needs in the area to reach out to our project team so that we can accommodate them to the best of our abilities and connect them with other local health care and service supports. Notices will also be sent directly to households asking for this information to be provided. The City will also be engaging with local stakeholders like the health care sector and emergency response to ensure that we are working together to support residents. Contact information is available at the end of this document.

Can I still use my appliances and fixtures during the waterline replacement project?

Yes, you should still be able to use your appliances and fixtures during the infrastructure replacement project, except during any temporary water shut offs. Advanced notice will be provided for any planned interruptions, which are planned to be less than 12 hours at a time.

Can I keep my boat or trailer on the street?

Unfortunately, no. Please move any boats or trailers off the street and be aware that you may not have access if your driveway is affected

Can the City survey my lot for me?

Only a licensed Land Surveyor can establish a legal property boundary (i.e. survey and generate a legal survey plan showing property boundaries). The City does not establish legal property boundaries, however our staff can establish the extent of municipal property and roadway, for the purpose of conducting infrastructure works. If you want a legal survey for your own purposes, that is something you will need to purchase for yourself.

I have an encroachment on my property, how do I know if it will be impacted?

Our staff has already flagged potential encroachments for Phase one and two of the project. If you are concerned about a potential impact, reach out to us to learn how it will be address or if you will be impacted at all.

Communication Questions

How will I know if I underground water and sewer lines are being replaced in my neighbourhood?

We have multiple channels to keep you informed about the waterline replacement project. Our webpage will contain all relevant project information as well as regular updates on the current stage of the project. Additionally, we will send work notices through the mail, as well as visit highly impacted households’ door-to-door prior to construction. Lastly, keep an eye out for physical signage indicating upcoming or ongoing construction in the area.

These notifications will provide you with all the necessary details, including the project's scope, timeline, and any potential impacts on residents. We strongly recommend staying informed through these communication channels so that you are aware of the waterline replacement activities taking place in your neighborhood.

How will I receive project updates and information?

Throughout the project, various communication channels will be utilized to inform you about important project details and impacts. All relevant information can be found on the project webpage, work notices, physical signage, social media updates, and information sessions. Additional communication channels may be utilized as needed.

Who should I contact in case of any issues or concerns related to the waterline replacement project?

If you have any issues or concerns related to the waterline replacement project, you can reach out to the project team through the contact information in notices provided to impacted households at the time of construction. The email address to reach out to is big@princerupert.ca or you can call (250) 627 2850. We will do our best to assist you and address any questions or concerns you may have.

Water Questions

Why can't the City refund utility fees when there are water quality advisories?

Unfortunately this isn't something that the City can offer. The water utility is self-funding (all money to fix repairs, and operate the service come directly from utility fees). Although we know that there have been challenges during the notices, we still have to cover the cost of delivering water during advisories - to wash with, flush toilets, fight fires, and to drink (even if it has to be boiled first).

We can't provide refunds or rebates on water because that approach would effectively prevent our utilities from functioning. All fees collected are needed to keep the water on - which includes funding dam operations, conveyance infrastructure, communications technology, labour costs, water treatment at our chlorination station, our pump house operations, lift stations, and to repair the pipes when they break. Taking money out of our operational costs has the potential to bankrupt the utility and could effectively result in residents having no water at their home. Where other levels of Government collect taxes, fees and many other sources of revenue from a number of different sources, municipalities are far more limited in how we can generate funds, so we have less flexibility in developing the kinds of programs to offset costs of living that you see coming from Provincial or Federal levels.

We absolutely appreciate that it has been inconvenient, and that's why we have pushed so hard to get major capital grant funding to replace the worst of our water and sewer lines, so that we have a system that residents now and into the future can rely on.

Will the water quality be affected during or after the project?

The project team will make every effort to prevent the water quality being compromised during the waterline replacement project; however, during construction on waterlines, both community wide and localized water use notices may be necessary. Regular testing and monitoring will be conducted to maintain the safety and quality of the drinking water supply and notifications will be sent out as needed.

To sign up for localized emergency alerts pertaining to water quality, go to: https://princerupert.connectrocket.com. New lines will be flushed and chlorinated in accordance with Northern Health Regulations.

Will the replacement of waterlines improve the water pressure or flow?

The replacement of water lines is expected to slightly improve both water pressure and flow in the affected areas; however, this is unlikely to be felt in any meaningful way at the tap or in your shower. Rather, the installation of new and upgraded water pipelines will contribute to better water distribution efficiency, resulting in improved pressure throughout the system, but not at the individual household level.

How will waterline replacements impact water service?

While efforts will be made to minimize disruptions, water service interruptions will occur during certain phases of the construction. For instance, when the water service directly to your home is being replaced. In such cases, residents and businesses in the affected areas will be provided with advanced notice, typically in the form of door notices, to inform them of any planned water shut offs or changes in water availability. Water service disruptions will be limited to a maximum of 12 hours at a time.

Project Questions

What should I do if I notice excessive dust form the BIG project construction site?

If you observe significant dust issues on one of The Big Project sites, please contact the City of Prince Rupert at big@princerupert.ca or call 250-627-2822. Provide details about the location of the dust concern, and our team will follow up promptly.

Why is the infrastructure replacement project necessary?

The waterline replacement project is necessary due to the deteriorating condition of the current waterline infrastructure in the City of Prince Rupert. The existing waterlines have reached or exceeded their expected lifespan, leading to increased risks of leaks, breaks, and water quality issues. By replacing the aging infrastructure, the project aims to improve the reliability, efficiency, and safety of the water supply system, ensuring the continued delivery of safe and reliable drinking water to the community for years to come.

Who is responsible for the waterline replacement project?

The City is responsible for the waterline replacement project and anticipates contracting the work in phases.

Are there any environmental considerations during the waterline replacement project?

Yes, the project team will adhere to environmental regulations and best practices to minimize the project's impact on the environment. These measures encompass preventing soil erosion, effectively managing surface water, handling potential hazardous materials, and ensuring the appropriate disposal of waste materials generated throughout the project.

Why are there four excavations in the process of replacing the watermain?

In order to keep residents with water during the replacement process, the existing watermain is kept "live" during the process. There are four stages of excavation before the old main is disconnected to ensure you are not without water for weeks and keep The BIG Project as minimally disruptive as possible.

What causes a water main to break?

Water main breaks can occur due to several factors including age, corrosion, soil conditions, poor or outdated installation technique, and ground settlement. Over time, the aging of pipes can lead to weaknesses and eventual failures, while corrosion can weaken the structural integrity of the mains. Unfavorable soil conditions, such as loose soil or ground movement, can also exert pressure on the pipes causing damage or breakage. In Prince Rupert, the specifically acidic soil conditions associated with our climate is a factor in corrosion, as is the vintage of a significant proportion of pipes.

How long will the project last?

The waterline replacement project in Prince Rupert will be an ongoing effort focused on high-priority corridors. While the project's duration cannot be accurately determined, it is anticipated to span multiple years due to the extensive upgrades required.

What areas are being done first?

Below are the approximate locations of the year 1 corridors. We aim to address:

• Shawatlan Road – which is in progress
• Back half of Crestview
• Conrad and Victoria Street
• 11th Avenue
• Alfred and Bacon Street
• Areas of Hays Cove Ave
• And areas of 10th, 9th, 8th and 7th

Here is the map showing their location. Please note that during the design phase of this project, there may be slight adjustments based on new information received during planning and potentials to achieve efficiencies.

How will I know if a waterline is being replaced in my neighbourhood?

We have multiple channels to keep you informed about the waterline replacement project. Our webpage will contain all relevant project information as well as regular updates on the current stage of the project. Additionally, we will send work notices through the mail as well as visit highly impacted households’ door-to-door prior to construction. Lastly, keep an eye out for physical signage indicating upcoming or ongoing construction in the area.

These notifications will provide you with all the necessary details, including the project's scope, timeline, and any potential impacts on residents. We strongly recommend staying informed through these communication channels so that you are aware of the waterline replacement activities taking place in your neighborhood.

What will be replaced?

The waterline replacement project will primarily focus on replacing high-priority city-owned water and sewer infrastructure and installing storm mains where required. This includes replacing water, sewer and storm services lines up to the property line as needed. The roadways above will also be replaced during corridor replacement works.

Specifically, the program consists of:

• Replacement of Watermains in the roadway
• Replacement of failed Sewer systems in the roadway
• Installation of Storm Systems as required in the roadway
• And replacement or installation of new servicing to the property line where required.

To conserve money, we will complete this work as surgically as possible. We will look at trenchless technologies like relining or pipe bursting where they can be deployed (both ways of replacing the pipe without fully removing it first to minimize disruption). However, any way this work is completed, there will be service disruptions.

By upgrading these crucial components, the project aims to address the most critical areas of the water distribution system to ensure its integrity and reliability.

If work is occurring on my street storm/sewer?

Apart from it being mandated by the Federal government, a separated system is far more efficient during wet weather, as stormwater can be directly deposited via a separate pipe/transfer system to a nearby water body instead of being transferred to our eventual treatment system.

The City must transition to wastewater treatment in the coming years, and as everyone knows, we are piloting a wetland system to treat our wastewater in the Moresby area. If this system meets Federal treatment guidelines, it will save the community in the neighborhood of $100M. However, these wetlands take up space and with the separation of the storm water - the footprint will be drastically reduced to manageable sizes.