Study backed for $13M water tower in Ancaster

Hamilton’s public works committee has approved an environmental assessment for a new water tower in Ancaster.

The $13-million project, to be constructed south of Garner Road at Fiddler’s Green Road, was identified by city staff as the preferred solution among four other proposals.

Ancaster Coun. Lloyd Ferguson, who had concerns about the project, including the cost and how it looked, agreed to it at the behest of public works officials.

“Staff has told me I have no choice,” said Ferguson, acknowledging residents have complained about low water pressure. “(The) problem I will have is selling this to my community. These things are ugly. I’m reluctantly going to support this.”

The original cost of the water tower was identified at $5.3 million in 2006. The cost only included the tower itself.

The rest of the cost will include a water reservoir, re-chlorination and recirculation systems, electrical equipment, water main extension, land acquisition, engineering and a contingency fund. The money will come from the city’s 2018 water rate budget.

A water main extension will be installed along Fiddler’s Green Road and upgrades will be made to the existing pumping station.

The proposed tower will be 47 metres tall.

Public works staff have said a water tower is needed to address low water pressure in a number of homes.

The current pumping station is in a location that is lower than the rest of Ancaster, so water has to be continuously pumped to higher ground elevated levels to meet residents’ demands.

The limited pumping efficiency results in higher maintenance and energy costs. Staff have said a power failure “could result in a loss of system pressure and potential water quality issues.”

The environmental assessment for the water tower will be open for public comment during a 30-day review period.