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Once the Vedder River levels fall below the water
levels in the McGillivray system the flap opens, allowing
water to pass freely through the two water systems. The
gate decreases the amount of time the pumps at the
McGillivray station will need to run and has already saved the
City $20,000 in power.
Confined Space Rescue Training Event
Conducted a confined space rescue scenario in order to fulfill
the requirements of the City’s Confined Space Rescue Agree-
ment and meet WCB regulations. A video of the event was
taken for future training material.
The scenario involved a worker trapped unconscious inside
a reservoir tank and the event was scrutinized by a training
consultant.
The scenario allowed the Public Works and Fire Departments
to further understand their roles and responsibilities in a con-
fined space rescue situation.
Mount Shannon SCADA Antenna Installation
Trylon TFS was contracted to install new supervisory control
and data acquisition (SCADA) antenna equipment on the
Rogers cell tower at the Mount Shannon Zone 2 Reservoir
site. The installation of the two antennas was part of an initia-
tive to improve SCADA network communications in Chilli-
wack’s eastern sector and improve the reliability of the City’s
SCADA system. The City had been negotiating with Rogers
for over five years to establish a presence on this tower.
Downtown Aesthetics / Graffiti Removal
Quick graffiti removal has proven to be an effective deterrent.
The focus for graffiti removal is the downtown core, older
neighbourhoods, particularly north of the freeway, the pedes-
trian tunnels and fenced walkways.
Conducted weed removal in urban areas outside of the aqui-
fer capture zone.
Manhole Rehabilitation Pilot Project
A pilot project was initiated with Ross Rex Industrial Painters,
on five sanitary sewer manholes in Chilliwack and Sardis, to
reduce the amount of clear water entering the sanitary sewer
system.
The process used to rehabilitate the manholes involves the
application of a two part waterproofing system to the con-
crete surface which dries and forms a new inner skin onto the
manhole.
The manholes are being inspected regularly to determine if
the product will address the inflow & infiltration (I&I) problems
and provide longevity. If the pilot project is successful, then
the program will be expanded throughout the City.
Automated Fleet Tracking GPS System
A new GPS system was installed on the City’s fleet of heavy
trucks used for snow and ice control. The system allows su-
pervisors to locate, track and log the progress of the fleet and
provide an increased level of service to the community. Super-
visors can use the GPS information to refine routing, resulting
in a more cost effective and fuel efficient method of snow
removal. The GPS system also makes it possible to monitor
vehicle data, which can be used to improve driving habits.
McGillivray Drainage Station Pump Repairs
Contractors, Precision Service and Pumps conducted
repairs on the McGillivray Pump Station drainage located next
to the Vedder Canal. The drainage pumps were both rebuilt
and vibration monitoring equipment was installed on each,
allowing staff to track changes to the running vibration and
provide early detection of component failure. This station
is critical in reducing the drainage ditch water levels in the
Greendale area to prevent flooding.
Yale Road Greening Initiative
Greening improvements continued along the Yale Road
corridor, between Five Corners and Nowell Street.
Greening involved:
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removal of existing concrete sidewalk panels
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placement of new pedestrian walkways and letdowns
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hydro-excavation of the soils around the existing trees
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placement of new ground cover
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installation of an automatic irrigation system
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onstallation of street furniture with custom graphics for
waste receptacles
The Yale Road corridor project was a joint project between the
Public Works and Parks Departments, with funding contribu-
tions from the City, the Downtown Business Improvement
Association and Chilliwack Economic Partners Corporation.
Brine Maker Installation
The Brine Maker is capable of producing up to 20,000 litres
of brine per hour. It allows crews to apply brine directly to all
first, second and third priority routes within 16 hours. Brine
has two purposes:
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Direct application on road surfaces prevents the ‘bond’
between ice and the asphalt pavement
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Sprayed on salt and sand mix to reduce ‘scatter’ and initi-
ate melting of salt crystals
Due to the reduced cost of having an ‘in house’ brine
production, the $20,000 cost to purchase and install the
Brine Maker was recovered in the first winter season.
Public Works Department
2011 City of Chilliwack Annual Report
12