The BIG Project

The Big Infrastructure Gap (BIG) project is the City of Prince Rupert's plan to upgrade and replace the most critical of our aged water and sewer infrastructure. As many of you are aware, a significant proportion of our system is beyond its usable life, as evidenced by near constant failures in water distribution lines that have been increasing in frequency over the past few years. Simply put, without this work, there is a risk of failure of our water supply, and by virtue of that, potentially our community.

By replacing deteriorating water and sewer mains, valves, and associated components, the project will bring us back from potential failure of our system. It will enable us to redirect water and sewer spending that is currently exhausted every year by emergency repairs back where it belongs - into planned capital replacements. What we're looking to accomplish is essentially a hard reset of our water and sewer distribution system, and the majority of the necessary funding now in place, we're well on our way to accomplishing this goal.

This is a significant generational investment into our infrastructure that will help to secure it for years to come. It will improve the reliability of service delivery, enhance water quality, and minimize future disruptions in our distribution system.

So how is the BIG project going to look in practice?

The project will be divided into corridors, focusing on areas with a high-likelihood and consequence of failure first.

As noted above, there are significant areas (26 km total) that have been identified as priorities for replacement. Given the volume of work needed to be done as well as design work needed, the schedule for work may be variable. The City and our contractors will be providing as much notice as possible to impacted neighbourhood residents, with individual household notices, site signage and online updates to be provided. If you are curious about whether your street will be impacted, you can check out the "Map of High Risk/Likelihood of Failure Water Mains" document to see if your street is among those slated for major replacement work. Please note that although this map identifies all areas that are priority for replacement, not all areas on this map may be replaced during the current construction schedule. That said, the intent of the City and our funders is to achieve as much of this replacement as possible. As the project continues, this webpage and associated communication materials will showcase the upcoming corridors and relevant project information.

Background

As we know, waterline failure has been an ongoing issue in the Prince Rupert community for many years, with this past year seeing the highest number of recorded watermain breaks in the community – resulting in the City calling a State of Local Emergency in order to mobilize all necessary resources to manage the breaks.

As the December 2022 state of emergency proved to be a strain on municipal construction crews, this project will take some of the load on city crews to be focused on other needs around Prince Rupert through deployment of contractors.

Key Benefits

The BIG Project will provide inter-generational benefits to our community. By upgrading our aging infrastructure, we aim to provide the following improvements:

• A generational investment into our failing infrastructure that will safeguard the water supply system from potential future failure
• Reliability and improved efficiency in delivering clean drinking water to Prince Rupert’s residents and business's
• Economic growth through the creation of employment opportunities and local construction capacity
• Additional resilience to our water system, improving emergency preparedness, protecting the water system against natural disasters

We are committed to keeping you informed about the project's progress and are excited to provide these long-term benefits for the well-being of our residents.

Corridors and Communications

The information page will prioritize effective communication to keep households and city residents informed about the ongoing water infrastructure replacement project. We have developed a comprehensive strategy to ensure timely updates and engagement throughout the project. Regular website updates will provide detailed progress reports, milestones achieved, and upcoming activities. We will also use a variety of communication channels and methods, with the hope that everyone will find something that works for them. Our goal is to maintain transparency, address community feedback, and keep resident's informed at every stage of the project. The planned communication methods include, but not limited to, the following:

• Project webpage (you’re here!)
• Project announcements via press releases to local news media, City website, this page, email newsletter on Rupert Talks, and social media accounts
• Work notice mailers
• Physical signage
• City of Prince Rupert mobile app push notifications for traffic disruptions
• Water shutoff door hangers

We encourage residents to subscribe to all of the above listed information services so you can stay informed. We encourage you to actively participate, ask questions, and provide feedback to make this project a collective success and help us learn along the way. Work of this magnitude won’t be without its hiccups, but we assure you that we will do our best to keep you up to speed and learn from lessons along the way.

Upcoming and Current Road Closures

Stay informed about traffic disruptions caused by the municipal water infrastructure replacement project through our comprehensive table below. It provides a clear overview of road closures, their durations, and recommended detour routes. The table includes specific street names, intersections, and affected segments, allowing you to plan your commutes accordingly. By referring to the timeline, you can anticipate the duration of each closure and make necessary adjustments to your travel plans. The provided detours are carefully designed to minimize inconvenience and ensure smooth traffic flow. We appreciate your patience and cooperation during this project as we work towards improving our water infrastructure. We’ll do our best to minimize disruptions while keeping you informed about the traffic management measures in place.

How do I best prepare my household?

Preparing your household for the water asset replacement project requires careful planning and organization to minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth transition. Here are some steps you can take to prepare:

1. Stay informed: Keep yourself updated about the waterline replacement project by regularly checking official notices or reaching out to the project communication officer using the provided contact information. Stay informed about the timeline, schedule, and any specific instructions provided.
2. Understand the scope of work: Gain a clear understanding of the scope of the waterline replacement project in terms of the water shutoff valve. Know which areas of your property might be affected, such as the front yard, driveway, or backyard.
3. Evaluate Household Infrastructure: If your home has older or damaged infrastructure, there's a potential for pipe bursts or connectivity issues during the installation of the new line; if you're worried about the functionality of your household pipes, it's strongly advised to contact a local plumber for an inspection.
4. Secure valuables: If any construction work is expected near your property, remove or secure any valuable or delicate items in your yard, such as lawn furniture, potted plants, or decorations. This will protect them from potential damage during the construction process.
5. Clear access points: Ensure that the contractors have clear access to the areas where the waterline replacement will take place. Remove any obstacles, such as debris, vehicles, or equipment that might hinder their work. Notices provided to households will also request this.
6. Adjust water usage: In the days leading up to the waterline replacement, consider adjusting your water usage habits. Minimize excessive water consumption, avoid running sprinklers or filling pools, and postpone any non-essential activities that require a significant amount of water.
7. Follow instructions: Follow any instructions provided by the city or contractors regarding the shutdown of water supply or any other specific guidelines. This will help ensure your safety and the smooth progress of the project.
8. Communicate: If you have any concerns or specific requirements during the waterline replacement, communicate them to the contractors or city authorities with the contact information provided. They may be able to provide additional guidance or assistance.

This project is supported through grant funds from the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada.