The Sunshine Coast Regional District (SCRD) has awarded the contract for the $9.4 million final phase of its water meter installation project, with installations expected to start in the fall.
The board approved awarding the contract to Neptune Technology Group Canada Co. – which also held the contract for the first two installation phases, starting as far back as 2014 – at its April 20 special meeting.
“After two years of severe drought, it is more critical than ever that we utilize our water resources as wisely as possible,” said board chair Leonard Lee in a press release. “The installation of water meters will help our community better understand their own consumption and will allow the SCRD to make efficiencies to further secure water supply for the region.”
The leak detection and user water consumption benefits were highlighted in the release. "It is common for communities to realize a reduction in water consumption by 20% to 30%."
The water service areas to receive meters in this final phase include West Sechelt, West Porpoise Bay, The Shores, Downtown Sechelt, East Porpoise Bay, Sandy Hook, Tuwanek, Selma Park, Davis Bay and ts'ukw'um (Wilson Creek).
The work is anticipated to be completed by late 2025, said the press release.
The SCRD recently received a $6 million grant to cover part of the installation cost with the remaining $3.4 million to be covered through borrowing, said the release.
