FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
PORT ALBERNI, B.C. – March 30, 2026. Construction is set to begin on a major investment in the city of Port Alberni’s drinking water infrastructure, starting this spring. Rolling out in four phases over the next seven years, the project involves replacing a total of 4.65 kms of aging, mostly underground pipework that connects the city to its water treatment plant.
Phase one will begin on April 6, 2026 with the replacement of a 1.1 km section of watermain running north along Franklin River Road from the Bainbridge Water Treatment Plant. The steel pipe currently in place was installed in 1962 and is now at the end of its useful life. The new watermain will be a high-density polyethylene [HDPE] fused pipe located entirely underground and carries an expected lifespan of approximately 100 years.
This section is the most critical component of the multi-phase project, following a motor vehicle incident in 2023 that struck an aboveground section of the watermain, resulting in temporary stage three water restrictions for residents while crews issued emergency repairs. Those repairs were a temporary measure, and this project will reduce risk to the water system moving forward.
“Our community really felt the impact of this vital infrastructure during the vehicle incident in 2023, and this project is a high priority,” said Mayor Sharie Minions. “Replacing the Franklin River Road source watermain is an essential part of the city’s infrastructure that supports access to a high-quality water service for our community.”
The area affected by construction begins at the Bainbridge Water Treatment Plant near the intersection of Franklin River Road and Mt. Arrowsmith Ski Road and ends approximately 1.1 km north along Franklin River Road. Construction will be active from 7am-7pm, Monday-Friday, starting April 6, 2026 until July 2026.
Drivers can expect single lane alternating traffic along Franklin River Road this summer. There will be brief periods of full road closure to allow for equipment movement, and where the watermain crosses the roadway. Traffic control personnel will be on site to assist and delays are expected to be minor. Residents and businesses impacted by this roadwork will be given advance notice of any specific disruptions.
Port Alberni residents will continue to have access to drinking water throughout the construction period. This project may require the City to implement a temporary water restriction to allow for the new watermain to be connected. If needed, the restriction is expected to last one to three days, depending on water reserve levels. Details and advance public notice will be provided if a water restriction is required.
The cost estimate for phase one, provided by the engineering consultant, is ($4,033,000). Funding was approved by Council in June 2025 and is allocated from the Water Fund Capital Reserve.
For more information, please visit: www.letsconnectPA.ca/Franklin-River-Road-Watermain
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Communications City of Port Alberni |