Water main rehab work on Higgins Ave. E. in Melfort

“The reliability of the water system on Higgins Avenue East is affected by the age and material of the pipes,” Gouws explained. “The program allows the city to address aging infrastructure proactively before failures occur, rather than relying on emergency repairs.”

The work includes the cleaning and rehabilitating of the existing water main using a cured-in-place plastic pipe liner. Gouws said this method is less disruptive than full excavation and replacement. Access pits are still required when using the pipe liner, and water services will be replaced from the main to each property’s curb stop through mostly trenchless methods.

“Temporary above-ground water lines have been installed to maintain water service during construction,” Gouws said.

The main will undergo pressure and water quality testing before the properties are reconnected.

It’s not the only job the contractor will undertake in Melfort, with additional water main connections and valve work to be done at the railway crossing between Assiniboia St. and Melfort St. The contract also includes drainage improvements along Hodgins Dr., including storm sewer, weeping tile, a catch basin connection, and crushed rock repairs around utility structures.

The work along Higgins Ave. is expected to continue through September, weather permitting and barring unforeseen circumstances. On-street parking and driveway access may be restricted during this time, and motorists and pedestrians are asked to obey all posted directions.

“Residents may also experience temporary water interruptions during connection,” Gouws said. ” A precautionary drinking water advisory is required while properties are supplied through the temporary water system, and again during reconnection to the rehabilitated main.”

Gouws said the city maintains an annual program to rehab or replace aging water mains, and utility renewal work is also coordinated to ensure underground infrastructure is addressed before new pavement is placed.

The street renewal project on Kingston St. was completed and paved last week, following the utility renewal work done there in 2025. Meanwhile, the local improvement project on the east and west blocks of Babington Ave. was also paved earlier this month. The city is installing accessible pedestrian signals with audible and vibrotactile feedback at the intersections of Main St. and Burrows Ave., Macleod Ave., and Crawford Ave. That work will commence when the required electrical work is completed.

There is also a new asphalt pathway along the west side of Reynolds Central School, allowing for a safer route for pedestrians, especially children, in a high traffic area.

The city is also completing a sidewalk condition assessment, including recommended repair methods, GIS mapping, identification of defects, cost estimates, and more. The assessment should be done by the end of the month, and Gouws said that should help sidewalk improvement planning for next year.

The city thanked residents for their patience and cooperation during the infrastructure work that is underway.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com

by Cam Lee

Water main rehab work on Higgins Ave. E. in Melfort

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