New water and wastewater treatment plants and upgrades to the water storage and distribution system ensure Kananaskis Country's Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area continues to have plentiful water for drinking, fire fighting and wastewater services.

"This community has seen a lot of growth and change in the 30 years since the Evan-Thomas Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility was built," said Ray Danyluk, Minister of Alberta Infrastructure. "It's time to move into the future, taking advantage of today's innovations and technologies to ensure we can continue to meet the increasing demand for a safe and stable supply of water in the Kananaskis region."

Built in the early 1980s and upgraded in the 90s, the Evan-Thomas water treatment and wastewater treatment plants will be replaced with technologically advanced facilities. The two new, larger plants will help ensure essential services are available to the growing number of residents, visitors and businesses in Kananaskis Country's Evan-Thomas Provincial Recreation Area. An expansion and upgrades to the water storage and distribution system will enhance fire protection services throughout the area.

It is anticipated that the Evan-Thomas Water and Wastewater Treatment Facility project will be completed through a public-private partnership (P3) procurement method. Similar to Alberta's successful school delivery model and more closely based on the province's transportation P3 model, the private partner will design, construct and provide partial financing for the Evan-Thomas project. The partner will also be responsible for operations of the new water treatment plant, the new wastewater treatment plant, and the water storage and distribution systems for 10 years following construction completion.

The Request for Qualifications for the Evan-Thomas project is expected to be issued by the Alberta government in late September. Industry will be invited to an information session in Kananaskis on August 30 to learn more about the project and the P3 procurement process.

Residents and community and business members are also invited to attend an information session at 1:30 p.m. on August 9 in the Charlie Beil Room of the Kananaskis Village Centre. Attendees will have an opportunity to view preliminary design drawings of the new facility and take part in informal discussions about the project and its timelines.

The Alberta government is working to build a better Alberta by fostering economic growth, strengthening our health and education systems, investing in infrastructure, supporting safe and strong communities and ensuring a clean and healthy environment.