Work continues on Esterhazy water treatment plant
June 7, 2025, 10:15 am
Ryan Kiedrowski, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
Work on Esterhazy’s $30 million water treatment plant continues to roll along at a steady pace, with projections of water flowing by summer 2026 still on track.
“Interior building works is reaching substantial completion with mainly paint and trims remaining,” said Mayor Randy Bot of recent work at the new plant. “Process mechanical is progressing on schedule with large diameter process piping and bio-filter internals being the main focus.”
The current facility supplying Esterhazy with its potable water was last upgraded in 1975, and the bio-filters will reduce high levels of ammonia in the water. The new plant is also being constructed with expansion in mind, preparing to meet the needs of neighbouring communities in addition to usage in Esterhazy. With talk of Yarbo possibly dissolving into the Town of Esterhazy, that possibility of tying into the new plant’s line at some point in the future may be an enticing option.
As for current work, Mayor Bot noted that electrical is progressing on schedule.
“The reservoir base pad is being completed, with foundation work to begin in early June,” he noted.
The Town of Esterhazy was able to leverage funding through both the federal and provincial levels of government, with the feds contributing over $11.9 million to the project, and nearly $10 million coming from the province. The remainder is the town’s responsibility, but using resources from financial reserves meant Esterhazy residents did not see a tax increase due to the project.
During a public forum meeting held last fall at the SN Boreen Centre, Melville-Saltcoats MLA Warren Kaeding underlined how important that strategic planning is for a municipality.
“There’s an awful lot of towns I know across this province that are very envious of the position that you folks are in here, to have a major capital upgrade like that without having to increase taxes or dip into a huge line of credit,” he said with a smile.
