Burstall town council plans ahead on underground issue

By Stu Salkeld
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Your West Central Voice

BURSTALL – The Town of Burstall council wants to plan ahead when it comes to an issue under the municipal streets. Mayor Colleen Bodnarchuk provided an update on recent town council decisions.

In a phone call with Your West Central Voice newspaper June 2, Bodnarchuk gave a run-down of several items town council recently worked on. To begin with, Bodnarchuk stated the town recently completed a round of tree root clearing.

The mayor stated underground cameras were used to look beneath three streets in Burstall and examine problematic tree roots which can, given time, cause water and sewer line problems.

Bodnarchuk noted Burstall's sewer mains are old, possibly more than 50 years in age, and stated care must be taken with them. The three streets had lines jetted and cleared of roots and things are looking much better now.

Staff noted that the cameras also gave an excellent opportunity to examine the lines for other problems and it seemed no problems were found.

Water tank

The municipal water tank recently had work done but Bodnarchuk stated the project is coming along nicely. She noted a skilled contractor did a good job of relining the water tank and finished their work on time.

The mayor noted once the lining has time to cure the receptacle can be slowly refilled; Bodnarchuk stated the tank can't be filled too quickly or it risks problems with the walls.

She added that the project proceeded well and the town now has to send some water samples to the provincial government for approval.

Project scheduling

Residents may sometimes wonder why large capital projects are done at the time of year selected, and Bodnarchuk said because contractors are so busy they may only have a few dates when important work can be completed.

For example, Burstall's water tank project had two options: May or June. The mayor said that town council felt June would be too busy to have the water tank out of action, so they chose May.

The mayor noted most residents were understanding of the fact the water tank required work which had to be completed. She also pointed out when it came to the water tank project town staff put in some planning time and phoned local farmers and others, warning them of the tank's closure and advising them to fill up as many water receptacles as possible.

Water rates

Bodnarchuk stated that town council recently approved an increase to Burstall's water rates; she observed that such increases are in line with provincial government requirements that utility systems pay for themselves through user fees.

She pointed out Burstall hasn't seen a water rate increase in five years. The mayor predicted, however, that the current 80 per cent recovery of the water utility will eventually be increased again with the goal of getting it completely self-sufficient.

The water rate increase will be implemented on the next water billing cycle.

Canada Day

Mayor Bodnarchuk stated the community was getting very excited for Canada Day, but pointed out Burstall holds their event on Tuesday, June 30.

The event will feature the traditional fireworks display at 10:15 p.m., which she observed is one of the best in the region, if not the best. Prior to fireworks, live entertainment will perform from 6 p.m. to 10 p.m. Guests can also enjoy a free barbecue and locally-sourced birthday cake.

Mayor Bodnarchuk stated Burstall has many great corporate and non-profit supporters which make the municipal Canada Day such a great event. She noted staff like to hold the event as a way to say "thank you" to the community.