During its regular meeting last week, Edson’s town council approved a few capital project budget adjustments in addition to a borrowing bylaw for the Water—DeGas project.
Multiple capital projects have reportedly received tenders over the allotted 2026 budget amounts, requiring adjustments to be made by council.
The Airport Envelope and Roof Repair Project, budgeted at $126,000, has been deferred to be considered during the 2027 Capital Budget deliberations. It would have required an additional $88,500 based on the tenders received.
At the same time, an increase of $223,000 was approved for the Public Works Building Mechanical, Electrical and HVAC Project budget. This brings the total project budget to $451,500, to be funded from the General Government Capital Reserve.
Town officials said this project is the town’s highest priority as the current systems have been in use since 1978. With regular maintenance, replacing them is expected to support the building’s lifecycle until about 2060.
Council also approved an increase of $164,400 for the Fire Hall Building Envelope Repair Project, bringing the total project budget to $250,000. It is to be funded from the Protective Services Capital Reserve. Town officials said the scope of the project was increased to extend the building lifecycle by about 45 years, and explained that the long-term benefits should outweigh the additional up-front cost.
Finally, council passed a motion to increase the Tennis and Pickleball Court Rehabilitation Project by $70,000, bringing the total to $220,000. It is to be funded from the Parks Capital Reserve. Two options were proposed for the project, and the town opted for Plexipave, which was proposed at $212,406.
During the same meeting on July 21, council passed second and third reading of Debenture Bylaw No. 2336, which allows the town to borrow up to $3.1 million for the Water—DeGas project, including the installation of a reverse osmosis system to meet new standards. The bylaw also included an amendment adjusting the reserve contribution amount to $2.7 million.
While the existing Water—DeGas system meets current regulatory requirements, the town says upgrades are needed to support long-term system reliability and prepare for changes to federal and provincial drinking water standards expected to take effect in 2027.
