Special Projects
Progressive Landfill Closure - COMPLETED 2010
The Islands landfill near Port Clements is the final repository for all the residential and commercial garbage produced on Haida Gwaii. While the landfill has a lifespan of 35 years, three of the original phases which were 17-years-old, had reached capacity. Due to the serious risk of leachate contamination to nearby fish-bearing streams, the final cover to cap the dump was re-designed to provide a higher level of environmental protection. By working together, the Islands local governments were successful in raising funds from the Gwaii Trust for the project which was combined with federal gas tax funding and Regional District reserves. The construction phase was completed on schedule and within budget over three months in the summer, creating 18 local jobs.
Oona River Community Hall - COMPLETED 2010
This project upgraded the Oona River gym into a multi-purpose community hall by utilizing gas tax, Coast Sustainability and NDIT funding. Building modifications included roof repairs, an upper floor conference meeting room and lodging facilities for visitors. Green design components included higher standard insulation to reduce heating requirements, incorporating natural lighting to reduce electrical usage, rainwater collection for non-potable water needs and passive solar power to meet hot water demand for new shower facilities. This project is seen as a central component supporting Oona River's community vision as an eco-tourism destination, providing visitors and residents access to internet, photocopying, telephone, and fax at the improved facility.
Sandspit Community Hall
This $560,000 capital project proposes to upgrade the existing community hall and install a number of energy efficiency innovations. Renovations include expanding the main meeting hall, kitchen and storage area with new aesthetic features such as an entrance vestibule. Energy improvements will include upgrades to the building walls, new insullation, rainwater capture, air and vapour barriers and passive solar panels for water heating needs. The project will provide fire separation, emergency egress and handicap accessibility. Construction is slated for the spring to be completed by the fall 2011.
Dodge Cover Water Improvement Project
The SQCRD is working on upgrades to the current potable water system that was constructed in 1979 through the Dodge Cove Water Improvement District. The current system draws water from a small dam and creek providing fire protection and water services for residents. The current system provides poor water quality, with high dissolved organics, high colour and low pH and has tested positive for coli form bacteria in 2006. The focus is to improve the potable water treatment process which will involve the construction of a new water plant for collection of water from the existing dam and raw water intake at current collection rates, through an additional ozone filtration system. In 2010, the project underwent an extensive pilot project stage and, provided that the test results are good, a finalized preliminary design will be submitted to the Ministry of Community Services in mid-January 2011 for approval to proceed with the detail design. Detailed design could be completed this spring, so that the project could be tendered and awarded in early summer with construction to proceed. Completion and commissioning of the new system is anticipated by year end. GENIVAR (engineering firm specializing in water supply, treatment and distribution) is overseeing this project with work from Mainstream Water Solutions Inc. (a firm that has been providing cost-effective and simple and reliable water treatment solutions to many municipalities in western Canada).
Sandspit Production Well Assessment and Feasibility of Water Supply Improvements
The SQCRD received study grant funding from the Ministry of Community, Sport and Cultural Development for $10,000 to undertake engineering work associated with the feasibility level design of an additional supply, disinfection/filtration facility and associated piping to connect to the storage reservoir and distribution system. The original well testing and analysis for the community of Sandspit was conducted in 2000. The system was designed in 2004, and constructed in 2005. The system has now been in operation since late summer of 2005. Golder Associates (an engineering firm that provides consulting, for water supply, treatment and distribution) will evaluate production to date, and make recommendations for a suitable location for one or more additional wells. Based on these recommended locations, GENIVAR (engineering firm specializing in water supply, treatment and distribution) would provide feasibility level budgets for the necessary system expansions to accommodate the new well or wells. The study began in late 2010 and a review of past information is presently underway with a final study to be completed by the spring of 2011.
Rural Graham Island Official Community Plan Update
The first Official Community Plan (OCP) for Rural Graham Island, Haida Gwaii, (Electoral Area D) is nearing completion. A dedicated volunteer Community Advisory Committee has been working with our consultant (HB Lanarc) in a community-driven process that has involved consultations with the residents of Miller Creek, Lawnhill, Tlell, rural Port Clements, Nadu, Tow Hill and points in between. The purpose of the OCP bylaw is to set a long-term vision for the rural communities by providing direction with respect to land uses and their associated servicing requirements. Official Community Plans also address a range of other issues such as housing policies, protection of the natural environment, and greenhouse gas reduction. In the coming weeks (Jan 2011), the draft OCP will be made available for the public to review and comment. In addition, a number of public open houses will provide the opportunity to discuss the draft OCP with the consultant and the Community Advisory Committee.
