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Start: April 6, 2026
End: August 2026
The city of Port Alberni receives its drinking water from the Bainbridge Water Treatment Plant, located on Franklin River Road. Once treated, the water is pumped into the City via a 4.65 km watermain that has reached the end of its useful life and requires replacement.
The existing pipe is constructed from steel and was installed in 1962. The new watermain will be a high-density polyethylene [HDPE] fused pipe located entirely underground and carries an expected lifespan of approximately 100 years.
The area affected by construction begins at the Bainbridge Water Treatment Plant near the intersection of Franklin River Road and Mt. Arrowsmith Ski Road and ends approximately 1.1km north along Franklin River Road.
The Franklin River Road Watermain Replacement project is a critically required upgrade to our underground infrastructure that maintains clean drinking water for our community.
Updates
The new watermain installed under the northbound lane of Franklin River Rd, has been flushed, pressure tested and disinfected.
Pending laboratory confirmation of disinfection, the tie-in of the new watermain will be Wed July 8th.
The tie-in should only affect residents and businesses along Franklin River Rd within 2 km of the project. Effected water services will be given minimum 48-hour notices of the water shut off, expected to last 8-10 hours (approximately 6am-4pm).
Road restoration is scheduled for mid-July, pending sub-contractor availability and weather
Project completion is currently scheduled for August.
Construction Impacts
Construction will be active from 7am-7pm, Monday-Friday, starting April 6, 2026 until July 2026.
Expect single lane alternating traffic along Franklin River Road this spring. There will be brief periods of full road closure to allow for equipment movement, and where the watermain crosses the road, with traffic control personnel present to assist drivers with minor delays. Plan ahead.
Dashed line shows area of construction work, near the intersection between Franklin River Road and Mt. Arrowsmith Ski Rd.
Project Benefits
Maintenance of clean drinking water for our community for years to come.
Critically required upgrade to our underground infrastructure.
The new watermain pipe will be constructed with HDPE fused pipe, which has an expected life of 100 years—much longer the existing steel pipe construction.
Start: April 6, 2026
End: August 2026
The city of Port Alberni receives its drinking water from the Bainbridge Water Treatment Plant, located on Franklin River Road. Once treated, the water is pumped into the City via a 4.65 km watermain that has reached the end of its useful life and requires replacement.
The existing pipe is constructed from steel and was installed in 1962. The new watermain will be a high-density polyethylene [HDPE] fused pipe located entirely underground and carries an expected lifespan of approximately 100 years.
The area affected by construction begins at the Bainbridge Water Treatment Plant near the intersection of Franklin River Road and Mt. Arrowsmith Ski Road and ends approximately 1.1km north along Franklin River Road.
The Franklin River Road Watermain Replacement project is a critically required upgrade to our underground infrastructure that maintains clean drinking water for our community.
Updates
The new watermain installed under the northbound lane of Franklin River Rd, has been flushed, pressure tested and disinfected.
Pending laboratory confirmation of disinfection, the tie-in of the new watermain will be Wed July 8th.
The tie-in should only affect residents and businesses along Franklin River Rd within 2 km of the project. Effected water services will be given minimum 48-hour notices of the water shut off, expected to last 8-10 hours (approximately 6am-4pm).
Road restoration is scheduled for mid-July, pending sub-contractor availability and weather
Project completion is currently scheduled for August.
Construction Impacts
Construction will be active from 7am-7pm, Monday-Friday, starting April 6, 2026 until July 2026.
Expect single lane alternating traffic along Franklin River Road this spring. There will be brief periods of full road closure to allow for equipment movement, and where the watermain crosses the road, with traffic control personnel present to assist drivers with minor delays. Plan ahead.
Dashed line shows area of construction work, near the intersection between Franklin River Road and Mt. Arrowsmith Ski Rd.
Project Benefits
Maintenance of clean drinking water for our community for years to come.
Critically required upgrade to our underground infrastructure.
The new watermain pipe will be constructed with HDPE fused pipe, which has an expected life of 100 years—much longer the existing steel pipe construction.
Dashed line shows area of construction work, near the intersection between Franklin River Road and Mt. Arrowsmith Ski Rd. 
