Thank you to everyone that attended the Town Hall meeting on April 29, 2025, where we discussed infrastructure renewal plans for Bassano. The purpose of the meeting was designed to share information on the state of the infrastructure and address when actions will take place. The exchange of information, concerns, and options were well received, and we highlight the following:
- Infrastructure renewal means from the very bottom up. Replacement/rehabilitation of all underground water, sanitary, and storm sewers; values, curb stops, and manholes. Surface works being roads, curbs, gutters, and sidewalks will come last.
- Underground assets must be replaced before surface works.
- By 2026/27 the Town will have $10 million dollars saved through capital grants, and by dedicating funds to the Capital Plan reserve through prudent fiscal management. This money will be applied to the first phase of the underground renewal project starting at the water treatment plant.
A detailed scope of the project will be refined once our engineering team is hired. Hiring will occur by the end of Q1 – 2026 with construction beginning in 2027.
- Construction means disruptions. When roads are dug up, and equipment is in operation, our community will experience the disruption. We shared this information because together, we need to be patient. The project will be done right and to do it right there will be disruptions to some day-to-day activities. Efforts will always be made to minimize impacts, but they will undoubtably still exist.
- The infrastructure renewal process will take a few decades to fully complete because infrastructure is expensive and time consuming – but we have a plan and are ready to start.
Where competitive grants exist, the Town will be applying for them recognizing they are few and far between. The approach we are taking is to ensure the highest value for the best product for the future of Bassano. The new or rehabilitated underground systems will have a life span of 50 years or more.
- Collectively, we talked about “wants” using sidewalks as an example. The current sidewalk system in Bassano is fragmented and not well connected. The sidewalks vary in size, location and many are not accessible. When designing the infrastructure renewal upgrade the townsfolk will help determine if a sidewalk system is a necessary. There are different ways to design a walking route that does not include cement sidewalks.
Discussing sidewalks are an easy way to think about infrastructure renewal because it encourages us to ask ourselves the “why”. Are upgrades thoughtful and do they meet the needs of people today, or are we just fixing the old because we are used to seeing them?
What we are committed to within the infrastructure renewal planning process is not just replacing what exists, but we are looking at every function/feature/and asset to determine their need while considering not only replacement cost, but the long-term maintenance of all assets. Infrastructure, with its long lifespan, it is essential that we do it right the first time. Decisions will be evidence based, and we will leverage information within the Town’s Infrastructure Management Plan (e.g. asset conditions, and material).
- The audience asked how infrastructure renewal may impact taxes. As it stands today, the first renewal project is cash funded, and it is not our intention to take out debt to increase the scope of the project.
Raising money (or taxes) for infrastructure renewal is something that would be discussed openly with the community at public meetings and through surveys. Our plan is first to design the $10M upgrade and present to the public what will be accomplished and the schedule for its completion. By understanding together what is left outstanding the community will help determine if raising more money is necessary, and what everyone is willing to pay.
Based on the current municipal tax collection and utility process, the Town allocated $535,000/annum to the Capital Reserve account. $360,000 is collected through general taxation and $175,000 is collected through the water utility. This is planned to continue within the Town’s multi-year budget. As we are building the infrastructure renewal project, the Town will continue to allocate the $535,000 to the Capital Reserve for phase 2.
- The audience asked if the Town would have money for emergency work if the infrastructure upgrades caused any upstream or downstream issues. The answer is yes. An emergency fund is always maintained.
- The audience asked about service lines and who would be responsible for them. Upgrades, where applicable will go to the property line. If property owners wanted to upgrade their service line, it would be at the owners’ expense. This is another example of a public education session that will be hosted by the Town prior to construction.
- The audience asked who would be responsible for damage to private property during construction. It is not our intention to encourage damage to private property during construction. If an issue arises, it will be worked through and resolved, keeping in mind good judgement will always prevail.
- The audience asked where the project will start and where it will end. Restating, the objective is to start at the beginning of the system (the water treatment plant) and to work our way north and west through the community. The exact plan will be provided to the community once the project is fully scoped with the engineers. Underground works is the priority over surface works.
- The audience asked who from the council planned to run again to see this project through. Mike Wetzstein and Sydney Miller confirmed their intention to run. Irv Morey and John Slomp are undecided but reaffirmed their support for the project. Kevin Jones was not present at that time to comment but will not be seeking reelection.
There will be many opportunities over the next few years as we plan, design, and construct for public engagement. Get ready for it as there will be regular Infrastructure Renewal Town Hall Meetings, site visits, educational sessions, and ribbon cuttings. Sewers are sexy.
Included below is the PowerPoint presentation that was unfortunately in black/white (technical difficulties). The maps included are from our Infrastructure Master Plan and show condition assessments, material, and other valuable information.
