City to explore handing flood, drainage work to Epcor

Issue would be discussed at public meeting before decision is made

A split council agreed to Tuesday to consider giving all flood prevention and drainage responsibility to Epcor.

A vote just to study the issue — all costs covered by Epcor — passed seven to six.

The key question centres on whether a globally competitive forprofit company can be counted on to protect Edmonton neighbourhoods from more frequent and severe flash floods. Or is the job too critical for city officials to give up?

The pipes in most neighbourhoods built before the 1980s can only handle one-in-10-year storms without flooding and severe weather events are becoming more common. Epcor says it would take responsibility to upgrade pipes and stormwater ponds in those neighbourhoods.

It would take on the $447-million drainage debt Edmonton already carries, run drainage operations and take over the capital campaign that includes at least $1.5 billion worth of flood mitigation in the next nine years.

The city-owned company says its global experience makes it a better contract manager. It can use Edmonton’s flood-management expertise to win contracts, grow the company and pay an additional $12-million dividend annually to offset property taxes.

“Where the hell’s the downside?” asked Coun. Bryan Anderson, seeming baffled by his colleagues’ resistance to the idea.

But others said flood prevention isn’t as straightforward as running water treatment facilities and distribution, which Edmonton previously handed over to the company.

“Drainage is one of those fundamental things we provide to the citizens of Edmonton. … If a neighbourhood goes underwater, I’m really struggling to see how that would play out,” Coun. Ben Henderson said.

“The pipes belong to the people,” said Coun. Mike Nickel, who said even though he has been critical of recent drainage work, at least he can now call up the general manager to address issues.

City administration will hire a third-party expert to analyze Epcor’s proposal.

It will go to a public hearing Oct. 25 before council makes a decision.