City wins national award

The City of Yorkton recently received an award through the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).

"The FCM Sustainable Community Awards have been celebrated since 2000. The award offers national recognition for projects that demonstrate environmental responsibility and excellence in best practices as it relates to sustainable community development. This national award is open to all municipal governments and their private-sector partners," explained Michael Buchholzer, Director of Environmental Services with the City.

"The City of Yorkton received funding through FCM's Green Municipal Fund to complete the Backwash Water Reuse Feasibility Study. This study provided the necessary research and background to complete the backwash water reuse process which forms part of the Logan Green Water Management System."

The City of Yorkton received recognition in the Water Category for a municipally led project that focuses on the consumption, quality, treatment and distribution of water.

"In addition to receiving an award, Environmental Services was also asked to make a presentation to delegates sharing our experience and knowledge of our project. Waterworks Manager, Glenda Holmes attended the conference and provided the presentation. Mayor Maloney attended the awards ceremony and reception that was held Wednesday evening and accepted the award on behalf of the City of Yorkton," said Buchholzer.

Normally, backwash water is flushed into the sewage system, where it substantially and unnecessarily increases the amount of water being treated in the sewage treatment plant. Some $3 million dollars was saved on infrastructure alone by using the settlement process and the city expects savings of $6.3 million in treatment costs over the life of the WTP.

When completed, the project site will also include substantial green space for public enjoyment as well as six new multi-purpose sports fields. At maximum capacity the plant can treat 22,000 cubic metres (22 million litres) of water per day.