The Rupert Road Watermain Extension project is a critical infrastructure upgrade aimed to enhance the resiliency and reliability of the water supply to the Chartwell, Eaglecrest and Sandpiper subdivisions.
Since the incorporation of the Chartwell subdivision in 2004, a single watermain has supplied the area, posing a vulnerability in the event of a break. This project will install a second watermain along Rupert Road, from Qualicum Road to Ravensbourne Lane, significantly improving the resiliency of the water supply infrastructure.
The new watermain will provide a secondary connection to Chartwell, Eaglecrest and other neighbourhoods in the area, enhancing the water supply for households as well as fire protection capabilities. The looping of the water connection will facilitate the essential extension of fire hydrants, mitigating future wildfire risks in the area. Additionally, this project supports the clean water supply to the Sandpiper subdivision within the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN). An added benefit of this project is the opportunity to install communication conduits during excavation, facilitating the extension of fibre optic cable for municipal purposes.
The project tender was awarded to IWC Excavation, with a bid price of $1,293,676 excluding GST. The cost of this project is covered in part by the Regional District of Nanaimo (RDN) through a $720,000 Electoral Area G Community Works Fund grant. The funding was provided in 2021 in return for the RDN’s French Creek Water Service Area (Sandpiper) receiving access to the Town’s water system.
The project commenced in July 2024 and was completed in early November 2024.
