Historical Society raises funds with supper Page 8 Wednesday, May 1, 2024 Vol. 47, No. 18
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Grand Opening of seasonal raw water pumping station
Last Friday, the official opening of the seasonal raw water pumping station took place on site in Viking. Taking part in the ceremony were, from left: Public Works Operator Shaelynn Boere, Town CAO Doug Lefsrud, Councillors Dana Ewashko and Judy Acres, Mayor Jamie Buttner (cutting the ribbon), Deputy Mayor Cindy Lefsrud, Councillor Julianna Merta, and Public Works Foreman Kevin O’Neill.
Will keep Viking thriving ‘no matter what Mother Nature throws our way,’ says Mayor Patricia Harcourt Editor The Town of Viking officially opened its innovative seasonal raw water pumping station with a ribbon cutting on site on Friday, April 26. The station is set up for agricultural producers and for firefighting needs in a year when drought is expected to occur. The town project is designed to preserve potable water for the needs of residents now and into the future by giving non-potable water for other purposes. The town has budgeted $375,000 for the project but is
applying to the province for grant funding. The raw water to be used for this project will come from three reservoirs that have been maintained but unused since 2002. That was the year a bad drought almost dried up local water supplies, A waterline running down Highway 14 from Epcor was built to ensure water supply for urban and rural residents in Beaver County. Two decades later, the town has quickly adapted for another expected dry year by taking the raw water out of the reservoirs and creating a pumping station from where it can
be drawn and hauled to where it is needed. Officials and the public attended an open house at the community hall and heard opening remarks from Viking Mayor James Buttner. The town “is diving into the world of water conservation,” said the mayor. “The Seasonal Raw Water Pumping Station is now officially open,” he said. “It's here to make sure that even with the looming drought, we've got enough water to go around, not just for now, but for years to come. “This pumping station isn't just
some quick fix either,” he said. “It's a long-term investment in our community. It's our way of saying, hey, we're in this together, and we're making sure everyone's got what they need. “Town Council and administration chose to run with this idea for two reasons: First the conservation of drinking water, and two, drought mitigation to support our ag neighbours, as well as fire fighting efforts. “Currently treated water at the water tower is $12/m3. We are offering Continued on Page 7