Construction is moving right along for Windsor's new water reservoir.
Visitors and members of the media were allowed a sneak peek at the work being done on the new reservoir, with a giant hole dug into the earth at George Ave and Wyandotte St East. The 35-million litre reservoir is being put in to complement the city's existing reservoir, which is located nearby.
Gary Rossi with Enwin Utilities says one reason for the project is because the current reservoir is showing its age.
"We have a 1950s vintage reservoir that requires some rehabilitation," says Rossi. "This reservoir is going to allow for us to provide that safe reliable drinking water to our residents."
The reservoir, when complete, will be able to provide consumers with up to an extra three-day supply of drinking water. The maximum extra supply without the reservoir would be a maximum of 18 hours.
Construction began on the project in January, and the lead contractor, Kenaidan, was able to get a head start with the initial design work and preliminary construction. Despite delays in construction due to a wet spring, John Haasen with AECOM says he has been very happy with the way construction has progressed.
"It's been very smooth, very quick in getting the base slab down and moving to the columns and walls, and they're now actually just starting to start the work for the roofing in the far corner there," says Haasen, pointing out an area of the reservoir opposite of where media was gathered.
The work is being done in an area fenced off and away from the nearby intersection, with plenty of room for crews to work around the reservoir site. Windsor Ward 5 Councillor Ed Sleiman also toured the site and is glad neighbourhood residents have accepted the project.
"I have not received a single complaint," says Sleiman. "Normally on any project you would receive some complaints. I think that these people amaze me. They keep a low profile. We need to work with them, we need the community to work with them."
The reservoir work is currently slightly ahead of schedule, with a completion date expected to be next summer.
