2018 Annual Report

City of Chilliwack 23 BULK WATER METER REPLACEMENT PROGRAM A number of aging bulk water meters were replaced. The technology of the new, modern style meter has advanced and now includes multiple automated system checks that alert staff of water leaks, high usage or potential backflow conditions. 1945 VEDDER BRIDGE CONCRETE ABUTMENT VIEWING AREA As part of the Vedder Rotary Trail connection on the north side of the river, the old bridge abutment from the previous Vedder Bridge was retained and developed as a viewing area. Interpretative information about the history of the Vedder River crossing was established to highlight each of the previous bridges that previously spanned the crossing. Local First Nations were invited to create an interpretive panel and the Halq'eméylem word “Ts’elxwéyeqw” seen on the panel represents the traditional territory of the Ts’elxwéyeqw People. Refurbished sections of bridge railing from the original 1945 bridge were installed to provide support for the signage and to create a safe barrier for viewpoint users. Water Leak Detection Operations procured advanced technology leak detection equipment that enables staff to identify underground leaks. This leak detection equipment is a non-invasive approach to leak detection which uses a patented acoustic technology to pinpoint the location of a leak. CAMP SLOUGH CHANNEL MAINTENANCE Channel maintenance works were undertaken in the Camp Slough due to highly compromised flow conveyance and habitat conditions as a result of the dense in-stream colonization of Reed Canary Grass and other vegetative blockages. Several thousand cubic metres of grasses and fine sediment were excavated from the channel. Works were undertaken during the Department of Fisheries and Oceans work window and through a Provincial Section 11 Water Act Approval/Notification. Chilliwack Creek Pump Station Upgrades The drainage station located on Schweyey Road was upgraded. This facility hosts three - 350 horse power pumps that draw water from Chilliwack Creek, primarily during the freshet, with each capable of pumping 48,000 gallons per minute.