Written By JOSHUA DRAKES

LOCAL JOURNALISM INITIATIVE REPORTER

Shelburne council has approved a $1.5 million project to upgrade the town's Well No. 1 pumphouse, a move aimed at restoring the facility to service and strengthening the municipality's overall water supply system.

During the March 9 council meeting, municipal engineering representatives outlined plans to resolve water quality issues that have kept the well offline since 2019.

According to the report, elevated turbidity was linked to problems with the pumphouse's chlorine contact tanks, which reduced treated water clarity and prevented the facility from operating.

The proposed solution will replace the existing tanks with a new, large-diameter watermain chlorine contact loop, designed to improve treatment performance and address turbidity concerns.

The project also includes electrical and control system upgrades, minor building improvements and the installation of an outdoor standby generator to support continued operation.

Once construction is complete and final approvals are secured, the pumphouse is expected to return to service and contribute treated water back into Shelburne's municipal system, helping to improve long-term capacity and reliability.

The town issued a request for proposals for the work in December 2025, with submissions closing on Feb. 12. Seven contractors bid on the project, with proposals ranging from approximately $1.5 million to $2.1 million.

Council awarded the contract to Avertex Utility Solutions Inc., the low bidder, at a cost of $1,519,786.50 plus applicable taxes. The bid was consistent with the project's engineering estimate and reflects the contractor's experience with similar local work.

Funding for the project includes $1.1 million in carryover support from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, $340,000 from the 2026 municipal budget and $79,786.50 from the town's water reserve funds.