The Town of Battleford has approved a water distribution agreement to supply water to Poundmaker Cree Nation.
According to Battleford’s acting chief administrative officer, David Gillan, the agreement is the culmination of a year of work between the town and Poundmaker towards a water pipeline from Battleford to the First Nation. The agreement will service the portion of the reserve described as Poundmaker 2, just south of the town.
The point of delivery, said Gillan, is right to the reservoir on Poundmaker reserve. Gillan said the pipeline runs from south of Westpark and through the RM of Battle River, heading east of the town where it will hook up with Poundmaker just beside highway 4.
The contract runs for 10 years initially. The town owns the pipeline and will be responsible for the first $5,000 a year in repair of the pipeline. The pipeline is paid for by Poundmaker and replacement is the sole responsibility of Poundmaker. All construction is borne by them including the town’s engineering and legal costs. All drawings are approved by the town’s engineers.
The supply rate has been agreed to at $3.13 per cubic metre. Any increase with the town’s ratepayers will be the same for this agreement.
Gillan said there is potential revenue of $25,000 for the town under this agreement, minus $5,000 in costs.
Council expressed their support for what was described by councillors as a partnership with their neighbours. They approved the agreement unanimously.
