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District CAO answers residents’ sewer project questions

as the mayor sees it with District of Barriere Mayor Bill Humphreys

Some residents were asking who it is that is doing the project management on the sewer project. I put the question to District staff and received the following answer from District Chief Administration Officer (CAO) Colleen Hannigan:

“As you know, the sewage project is divided into four main sections (Septage, Collection, Wastewater Plant and Effluent Disposal). As you may also recall, we have a team approach to this project. As CAO, I am the head of the overall project team, so I guess you can call me the General Project Manager, if that helps. Dave Underwood from TRUE is the Project Manager for all of the engineering for the collection, septage and disposal. He is responsible for signing off on any related payments and making sure LNB is adhering to their contractual obligations. He also contributes to most other aspects of the project. Kim Rink is part of the overall project team, and the Project Manager for the Wastewater Plant. My role is to make sure all the parts of the project come together, that team members are talking and working together and that general District interests are addressed by the team. The main members of the team are Dave (or a delegated TRUE rep), Doug, Nora, Kim and I. We are all closely involved in the entire project from the District’s standpoint. Depending on what aspect of the project is being dealt with will determine which member of this team will take the lead.

Every Tuesday a meeting between LNB (site supervisor and engineer) TRUE rep and District reps (Doug and either Nora or I) meet to discuss the Collection portion of the project. TRUE relies on District staff’s input and knowledge in order to direct LNB and we work together on this. Doug Borrill also has authority to direct LNB on site, specifically to do with water issues as they arise but also generally working with TRUE on site from an overall District perspective. Again, this is a team effort.

I hope this clarifies any confusion.”

Project management of large multifaceted construction such as our current sewer project is a very complicated business. There are firms that specialize in doing this function. District staff has given advice to Council that there is no need to retain a general project manager with specific training and knowledge around such highly complex work to protect the District’s interests.   As I have previously mentioned Council members are not expected to have intricate knowledge in project management. They rely on the advice of staff.

Councilor Kershaw and I attended the Barriere 100th Anniversary legacy project event right before the Fall Fair parade. The Fall Fair Ambassadors did the honours to unveil the project which is the culmination of a tremendous effort by Co-Chairs Tasha Buchanan and Lindsay Arcand and the 100th Anniversary committee. Many thanks to those that contributed by purchasing a plaque.

The parade saw the addition of the Shriners this year with two entries. There were a good number of other floats from an assortment of groups throughout the area. Putting a float together is not an easy task and those that make the effort should be commended. I have not heard at this point if the hoped for number of 65 was reached. I do want to thank those that participated as well as those that came to watch.

President Jill Hayward and the North Thompson Fall Fair and Rodeo Association work tirelessly throughout the year to put together not only the Fall Fair but the needed support for a number of other events. They are constantly looking to improve the fair program, the facilities and the quality of entertainment and competition. There is a considerable economic gain to the community through their efforts as well as providing a wonderful outlet for a multitude of people both young and old to showcase their talents.

Our community has a long record of volunteering and community spirit. Over the years many members of various groups have contributed their time and efforts selflessly. They need some extra support though and I encourage anyone that can to try and help. Sometimes just a few hours a month makes all the difference in the world.