Shelburne Community Well Project Costs Nearly Double After NSCC Withdrawal
The estimated cost for the Shelburne Community Well Project has risen from $241,336.35 to $453,836.35 after Nova Scotia Community College withdrew as a partner. SEED has assumed the lead role, and municipal contributions have increased to support the project.
The estimated cost for the Shelburne Community Well Project has nearly doubled following the withdrawal of the Nova Scotia Community College (NSCC) as a project partner and manager. The total project cost is now estimated at $453,836.35, up from the original estimate of $241,336.35.
Chief Administrative Officer Warren MacLeod informed Shelburne municipal council on Sept. 23 that the province determined NSCC could no longer participate in the project. The proposed community well is located at an abandoned drilled well on the NSCC Shelburne Campus on Lake John Road. The project aims to provide free potable water to residents whose private wells are dry or compromised through a treated community well and public dispensing station.
Nova Scotia Public Works advised that land for the dispensing building must be severed from NSCC property before the project can proceed. Dillon Consulting Limited was retained to complete survey and property transfer work requiring provincial cabinet approval. Key cost increases include commercial construction of the pumphouse, expanded engineering scope for land severance, and contractor management services previously provided in-kind by NSCC.
Specific line items contributing to the increase include:
- Design costs: Increased from $15,000 to $69,500 due to added property transfer, survey, and revised engineering scope.
- Pumphouse structure: Increased from $30,000 to $100,000 because it must now be constructed commercially instead of by NSCC carpentry students.
- Water treatment equipment: Increased from $45,000 to $65,000 based on recent comparable systems.
- Contracting services: Increased from $17,000 to $65,000 to cover contractor management previously provided in-kind by NSCC.
- Back-up power: Increased from $30,000 to $50,000 based on recent project comparisons.
The South End Environmental Injustice Society (SEED) has assumed the lead role, retaining Dillon Consulting Limited for design and management. SEED’s board agreed to take the lead on the project and increased its contribution from $17,600 to $40,000. SEED formally requested the municipality increase its contribution from $10,920 to $25,000. Municipal council approved the increased contribution of $25,000, which was already included in this year’s operating budget.
Ownership of the completed facility will transfer to the municipality upon construction completion, with the town providing certified water operator services and monitoring. The Sustainable Communities Challenge Fund may maintain 80% funding if local contributions increase.