Cochrane Town Council has approved up to $150,000 from the Capital Wastewater Reserve to fund engineering design work for a critical infrastructure upgrade at Calling Horse Creek. The decision, made unanimously during the June 23 regular council meeting, represents the first phase of a broader wastewater infrastructure strategy designed to enhance system capacity, safety, and long-term reliability.
The approved budget will fund the design of a new high-density polyethylene (HDPE) syphon pipeline to replace the existing infrastructure, which is currently under strain. The syphon replacement is being prioritized due to safety and operational concerns.
“The existing syphon at Calling Horse Creek is currently operating beyond its safe pressure limits,” explained Shawn Tooth, Cochrane’s Utilities Director. “This is our most urgent vulnerability and it must be addressed immediately to maintain operational integrity.”
The existing line, originally designed for a maximum pressure of 50 psi, is currently functioning at pressures as high as 68 psi—exceeding safe thresholds and risking system failure. The new design will replace the current pipeline with a 26-inch (660 mm) HDPE DR11 pipe and will include provisions for future twinning. This will create a dual-pipe system as part of the Wastewater Pipeline Twinning Project’s long-term vision.
“This is both a short-term fix and a long-term enabler,” Tooth added. “Addressing this need now positions us for successful negotiations with EPCOR and Rocky View County.”
The syphon replacement forms Phase One of the Town’s broader Wastewater Pipeline Twinning Project, which has been in planning and development since 2017.
A 2023 feasibility study informed the updated phasing strategy for the Twinning Project, allowing the Town to defer major construction between 3 to 7 years while addressing the most pressing vulnerabilities now.
Key advantages of the phased approach include:
- Time to Strategize: The 3–7 year window offers breathing room to align infrastructure builds with regional growth timelines.
- Reduced Capital Pressure: By deferring elements of the $117 million twinning cost, the Town can better manage debt capacity and optimize the collection of Offsite Levies (OSLs).
- Improved Grant Positioning: With the Hamlet of Harmony’s newly updated status, Cochrane is in a stronger position to pursue external funding, including through Alberta’s ‘Water for Life’ grant program.
“I think the phrasing ‘smart phasing, lower risk, stronger outcomes’ really captures what this project does,” noted Councillor Alex Reed during the meeting.
Although the Town may explore potential partnerships and funding streams for the broader Twinning Project, the Calling Horse Creek syphon replacement will be fully funded by the Town, as it involves upgrading existing municipal infrastructure.
“This is our infrastructure,” said Mayor Jeff Genung. “This is something we’re designing to upgrade, and we would look to the future to have other partners potentially connect to it—maybe share costs down the line. This is just the first step in a multi-phase project.”
With the funding now approved, engineering design work will begin immediately. Town staff will continue to engage with key partners including EPCOR, Rocky View County, HAWSCo, and the City of Calgary to align on future phases, funding opportunities, and collaborative growth planning.
