The planned completion date for the Northwest Reservoir has been delayed until June, about six months later than originally thought.
Operational Services were planning to have the reservoir finished by the end of 2010, but Dave Cockwell, Director of Operations for the City of Fernie, said the early arrival of winter and issues with the river crossing had delayed the project.
“The reservoir was 95 per cent done and then shut down for the winter,” said Cockwell.
He said that the issues that arose were unanticipated.
One of the main pieces that the City was unable to complete before the end of the year was the river crossing.
Cockwell said that the river crossing involves directional drilling (drilling under the river) to get pipes from the reservoir to the community.
“It’s like everything is done but one little piece in the middle is missing,” he said.
“The reservoir is ready to go but it’s not connected.”
He said he hopes the reservoir will be completed by the end of June.