Calmar grapples with aging infrastructure

CALMAR -- A new report filed by Calmar administration shows that nearly a quarter of the town's municipal assets have passed their life expectancy.

For the assets examined in the report -- which includes roadways, sidewalks, watermains, fire hydrants, and others -- 23.4 per cent have passed their useful life expectancy, though staff say they continue to serve their purpose. For roadways, 44 per cent are noted as being in poor to fair condition.

This includes 13 roadways that are currently rated in poor condition, and 11 that are in fair condition. This number is expected to fall to 40 per cent following this summer's road rehabilitation project. The replacement cost of roads listed in poor condition is estimated at $5,646,700.

45 per cent of sidewalks in the Town of Calmar are also now rated as being between fair and poor condition, while this number is expected to drop into the 30 per cent range after upcoming road work is completed.

The asset management report also shows that 33 per cent of watermains have passed their life expectancy, but continue to serve their purpose. It's noted that the Town is beginning to experience breaks more often as a result. Watermains are comprised of PVC and Asbestos Cement pipe materials.

15 per cent of Calmar's main isolation valves have now passed their useful life expectancy and are considered unreliable and in poor condition. Administration say that consideration should be given to changing these valves for reliability in water main break situations.

13 per cent of sanitary mains have also reached the end of their life, which town staff say will require attention soon. Portions of these old mains, including under Highway 795 and 49 Street south have been inspected and are showing signs of deterioration.

The report also shows that 14.5 per cent of fire hydrants have passed their useful life expectancy but with maintenance they continue to serve their purpose.