“The existing golf course clubhouse relies on a water system that is non-potable and a septic tank for sewage. During budget deliberations in the spring of 2021, Administration presented to Council several options for consideration on how to service the Deer Park Clubhouse with potable water and sewer services,” explained René Richard, Director of Engineering and Asset Management with the City. “These options were preliminary or conceptual, and based on or updated from previous concept plans developed in 2009.”
Work has continued said Richard.
“Since that time, we have acquired the services of a consulting engineering firm to further develop these options with a goal of eventual selection of the preferred option, and potentially detailed design and tender and construction depending on Council’s direction. The servicing options are being developed separately but in conjunction with the ongoing development of the new Deer Park Clubhouse building design,” he said.
Along the way new information has become available that has caused us to rethink options and develop new ones that are perhaps more efficient and/or cost effective, said Richard.
“Of particular importance to the project are firstly, the location of underground utilities (power, gas, fiber optic, etc.) along the proposed alignment and secondly the results of the geotechnical investigation.
“. . . When dealing with utilities, there is potential for conflict when open cutting and significant risk when direction drilling. They leave little room for adjustments which are usually part of any construction project, and they should be avoided if possible.”
In addition; “The results of the geotechnical investigation did not prove favorable for the construction of a new building or the installation of services. The presence of large rocks or boulders makes it extremely risky or virtually impossible to directional drill and maintain grade suitable for gravity sewer. It is also expected that the soil conditions would make it more difficult to open cut at the depths required for gravity sewer. There is great potential for cost overruns due to unsuitable material and the potential for significant additional excavation due to the soil instability which would cause an unknown amount of additional restoration and landscaping work which is also very expensive in a golf course setting,” offered Richard.
These hurdles being faced have changed the focus.
“So, taking into account the presence of all the utilities and the results of the geotechnical report, the team endeavored to find a more efficient, stable option,” said Richard.
An alternative route was investigated that is a more direct alignment that would be shorter for the water main and potentially less expensive.
That alignment would follow the existing clubhouse driveway up to the highway and along the southern right-of-way of Highway 52 down to Sully Avenue.
“Unfortunately, this option eliminates the possibility of gravity sewer, and a lift station would be necessary,” said Richard.
The recommended options along with refined cost estimates are expected to be presented to Council at the Oct. 25.
At that time Council can chose to direct Administration to proceed or not, in whole or in part, and potentially in conjunction with a new facility or not.
