City finalizing deal to have Ross Glen waterpark irrigation work completed

A four-year effort to replace the irrigation system near the Ross Glen Towne Centre water park will continue this summer.

Widespread work to replace the watering system in the community’s park began in 2017, then was extended to 2018 before the city and contractor parted ways.

That brought a wave of complaints from residents about the delay, and now city officials say they’re dedicated to having the project finished

“The city recognizes the inconvenience for park users and nearby residences and we apologize for any disruption this may cause,” stated parks general manager James Will. “The city thanks residents for their patience and co-operation as we work to rectify the irrigation issues in this park.”

Work on other areas of the 40-year-old sprinkler network in nearby linear parks proceeded in 2019, and now a new contract to finish the first phase is being completed.

Elevation Landscaping, located in the Medicine Hat area, is the only firm shortlisted for the $360,000 contract, according to Alberta’s publicsector purchasing website in an award published Feb. 13.

Will confirmed to the News that work completed in 2018 by an unnamed out-of-town contractor, which is now out of business, was deficient.

Temporary repairs were completed by a local firm, while the city recovered some funds from the contract.