From historic rainfall and flooding to new utility rates and the rollout of contracted garbage collection, Public Works was front and centre during Elk Point Town Council’s June 8 meeting.

Operations Manager Jay Duffee provided council with an update on the significant rainfall event that impacted the community in late May and early June, saying the combination of a heavy snowpack, saturated ground and nearly four-and-a-half inches of rain over two days overwhelmed drainage systems throughout the region.

“Nothing wrong with our systems. It was just overwhelmed,” Duffee told council.

According to Duffee, runoff from north of town combined with local rainfall, sending large volumes of water through Elk Point’s stormwater system. Railway Avenue saw the most significant impacts as water naturally flowed downhill into the area.

The flooding also affected the wastewater system. Duffee reported that daily flows through the sewage treatment system jumped from a typical 1,500 cubic metres per day to nearly 6,500 cubic metres per day at the peak of the event.

Public Works crews spent days monitoring lift stations, cleaning catch basins clogged with sand and debris, and restoring normal operations.

“We fared pretty well for the amount of water that came down,” Duffee said.

While no major municipal roads were washed out, council heard that a pedestrian bridge near the curling rink sustained damage after water washed away material beneath the structure. The Town is now exploring repair and replacement options.

Duffee also noted that groundwater infiltration continues to impact the system, with elevated flows still being recorded weeks after the storm.

New garbage collection service off to a smooth start

Council also received an update on Elk Point’s new contracted garbage collection service.

So far, administration reported very few complaints since the service began.

Residents were reminded that collection begins earlier than the previous service, with pickups starting at approximately 7 a.m.

Councillors encouraged residents to place their carts out the night before collection to avoid being missed.

Discussion also touched on concerns about garbage cart lids remaining open after collection, allowing rainwater to accumulate in bins. Council heard that because the collection system is fully automated, drivers generally remain inside their trucks throughout the route.

Despite a few adjustments for residents, council members agreed the transition appears to be going well.

Water rates reflected in pool-filling policy update

Council also approved an amendment to the Town’s swimming pool and hot tub filling policy.

The update reflects the increase in Elk Point’s water utility rate from $6.00 to $6.50 per cubic metre.

The change affects the cost of water supplied by the Fire Department for residential pool fills but does not change delivery fees.

Under the updated policy:

• Pools under 3,000 gallons will now cost $173.84
• Pools between 3,000 and 4,000 gallons will range from $223.84 to $248.41
• Pools over 4,000 gallons will cost $298.41

Administration noted the policy is used regularly as the Fire Department continues to assist residents with pool fills during the summer months.

Public Works praised for flood response

Before concluding the discussion, council members thanked Public Works staff for their efforts during the flooding event and the additional workload created by the emergency response.

The department continues to monitor drainage systems, repair washouts and address infrastructure concerns as water levels gradually return to normal.