Deer Run Sanitary Lift Station Upgrade
Project Update – Winter 2024
Work on the electrical and mechanical infrastructure at the new electrical/generator building is now complete along with the upgrades to the wet well.
With the lift station now fully operational and exterior upgrades finished, the project is now officially complete.
Thank you for your cooperation and understanding throughout the duration of construction for this important infrastructure project.
About the Project
The Deer Run Sanitary Lift Station was built in 1976 and designed to meet the standards at that time. Since then, safety and operational requirements for lift stations have changed, and significant infrastructure upgrades are required to reflect the current standards outlined by the Lift Station Design Guidelines and The National Fire Protection Association (NFPA).
To meet current safety standards, most electrical equipment must be housed separately from the wet well. A second building is required for the upgraded electrical systems and a new standby generator. A summary of upgrades includes:
- Minor mechanical systems upgrades (ie: HVAC, plumbing).
- Structural and safety works (ie: wet well platforms, fall protections, insulation, safety equipment).
- New roofing and building envelope.
- Upgraded exterior façade.
- Upgraded perimeter fencing, LED lighting and landscaping.
- Improved access for maintenance and worker vehicles.
Project Timeline:
Fall 2021 - Public Engagement
Feedback was sought on exterior aesthetic options from the public.
Winter 2021 – Public Engagement Report Completed
View What We Heard Report here.
Fall 2022 - Utility transformer relocated.
Spring 2023 - Contract awarded to Graham Infrastructure and construction begins.
Fall 2024 - Expected completion.
Project Updates
This webpage will be updated as milestones are met. Please check back periodically.
Questions?
For more information or questions, please contact 311.
Existing structure
Existing structure
Project Benefits
These upgrades will ensure the facility continues to provide a high level of service to the surrounding community for years to come. The upgrades will make sure the facility maintains function in the event of a utility outage, while improving the safety for the workers operating and maintaining the facility. The upgraded exterior will improve the aesthetic and work to compliment the surrounding natural landscape.
Design
The new lift station will be constructed directly south of the existing building. They will be physically separated but will match and appear as one coordinated structure.
In 2021, citizens had the opportunity to provide feedback on exterior materials and finishes of the new building. The design has now been finalized.
The façade will be constructed using Thermowood – a sustainable heat-treated timber with a life expectancy of more than 60 years – in an earth tone that aims to blend in with the surrounding area. Once construction is completed, plants and native grasses will be planted in the area surrounding the lift station.
Please note the renderings shown below are for illustrative purposes only. Final construction, including exact colours, placement of doors/vents/exhausts, and materials may vary or change slightly.
In 2021, the public was invited to provide feedback and preferences on the exterior finishes for the new lift station. Common themes found were:
- To have the buildings blend in and look similar to existing homes in the area.
- No contemporary components.
- To add more landscaping.
- Preference to use natural materials and colours.
- To move the location of the new building closer to the existing building.
As a result of feedback received, the following was adjusted as part of the final design:
- The exterior aesthetic was muted in colour, made more earthy-toned, and most architectural elements were removed in effort to blend in with the surrounding landscape.
- The physical location of the second building was moved to sit just south of the existing building. This change in location moves it slightly farther away from the pathway system and reduces the visual impact of the second building.
Frequently Asked Questions
Will this project impact Fish Creek Provincial Park?
No, the lift station is located outside of the boundaries of Fish Creek Provincial Park. The lift station and subsequent construction work will all take place on City-owned lands.
Will trees be removed?
No trees are expected to be removed as part of this project. The grassed area around the existing building provides sufficient space for both the new building and the construction lay down area.
Will there be odours from the lift station?
The odour control unit will be replaced with a new unit to ensure there is a functioning system for the service life of the lift station. During construction, there may be periods of heightened odour as the system is switched out.
Will this site be open to the public?
No, lift stations are not accessible to the public.
Will there be public washrooms available?
No, there are no public washrooms at this lift station; however, washrooms are available within Fish Creek Provincial Park.
What is the estimated cost for this project?
Contract award is expected in early 2023. Due the legislated competitive procurement process, we are unable to disclose the project budget at this time.
To learn more about how The City procures products and services, you can click here.
Why is The City completing new exterior (architectural) treatments?
Upgrading the exterior façade to a durable Thermowood is necessary to protect the building upgrades from damage, such as wind, rain, and animal damage for example, and will serve to prolong the facilities lifespan with less maintenance. Given this lift station is located next to Fish Creek Provincial Park and residential homes, The City placed emphasis on attractive exterior materials that would complement the aesthetic appeal of the area.
Lift Station Basics
Calgary’s wastewater system is a gravity fed system, meaning sanitary flows and wastewater are mostly driven by gravity to our water treatment facilities.
When water runs down a sink, drain or toilet, it becomes wastewater. Via gravity, the wastewater travels to one of three wastewater treatment plants. When gravity isn’t an option due to elevation in the area, sanitary flows are directed to one of hundreds of lift stations located throughout The City.
A lift station is a pump that pumps the wastewater up to a higher elevation, so gravity can continue to work and move the water towards the nearest treatment facility. Despite being next door to the Fish Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, parts of Deer Run are too low in elevation to drain to the treatment plant via gravity without the help of a lift station.