The Town of Qualicum Beach is set to begin start work on the Rupert Road Watermain Extension Project on July 2.
According to a news release, construction will take place along Rupert Road East, between Qualicum Road and the Qualicum Beach Airport. During the construction period, the speed limit in the work zone will be reduced to 50 km/h, with the road limited to single-lane alternating traffic. Work hours are scheduled from 7 a.m. to 5 p.m. on weekdays.
This critical infrastructure upgrade will enhance the resiliency and reliability of the water supply to the Chartwell, Eaglecrest and Sandpiper subdivisions. Since the incorporation of the Chartwell subdivision in 2004, a single watermain has supplied the area, posing a vulnerability in the event of a break.
This project will install a second watermain along Rupert Road, from Qualicum Road to Ravensbourne Lane, significantly improving the resiliency of the water supply infrastructure. The new watermain will provide a secondary connection to Chartwell, Eaglecrest and other neighbourhoods in the area, enhancing the water supply for households as well as fire protection capabilities.
The looping of the water connection will facilitate the essential extension of fire hydrants, mitigating future wildfire risks in the area. Additionally, this project supports the clean water supply to the Sandpiper subdivision within the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN).
An added benefit of this project is the opportunity to install communication conduits during excavation, facilitating the extension of fibre optic cable for municipal purposes.
The project tender was awarded to IWC Excavation, with a bid price of $1,293,676 excluding GST. The cost of this project is covered in part by the RDN through a $720,000 Electoral Area G Community Works Fund grant. The funding was provided in 2021 in return for the RDN’s French Creek Water Service Area (Sandpiper) receiving access to the town’s water system.
The project is expected to be completed by late October 2024. For project updates visit https://www.qualicumbeach.com/RR_Watermain.
— NEWS Staff