Facility Updates

Repairs are currently underway on the major watermain break that happened late last week.

Tomlinson, the specialized contractor hired for the job, started site prep work Wednesday and began excavation of the large diameter trunk watermain today.

The repair job will consist of removing and replacing the damaged pipe, checking the condition of the pipes next to the break and replacing those as well if necessary, and having specialized camera equipment scan inside the pipe in the break area to check on its condition, identify any areas that need immediate attention before bringing the pipe back online, and allow for future forecasting of maintenance in that area.

This work will happen through the end of the week, over the weekend, and is expected to wrap up on Tuesday, December 2. Some testing of the system will need to happen before bringing the watermain back online, but that is expected to happen by late Wednesday, December 3.

While Miramichi Lodge remains on temporary water supply during the repair, the water being provided has been tested and deemed safe to consume by the Renfrew County and District Health Unit.

We continue to remind people to reduce water consumption wherever and whenever possible. This is important to ensure stable water supply for all system users, and to secure water availability for firefighting and for those vulnerable users, including the Pembroke Regional Hospital and seniors’ homes.

We understand people need to go about their daily lives. Reduced consumption can look like combining clothes to run fewer loads of laundry, having a quick shower over a bath, or avoiding non-essential activities such as washing your car.

The City of Pembroke thanks all system users for the efforts they’ve made to reduce consumption since the watermain break happened.

The water is safe to consume, and during this repair period, people may notice a reduction in water pressure or volume.

Future updates will be posted on the City’s website pembroke.ca and our Facebook and Instagram platforms.

The City of Pembroke is asking all residents in Pembroke and Laurentian Valley to please reduce water usage effective immediately and until further notice due to emergency infrastructure repairs.

Examples of activities to avoid at this time include laundry and housecleaning. Water use for using the washroom and cooking within reason is ok.

The City of Pembroke is thrilled to celebrate the opening of the John Beevis Bulk Water and Septage Receiving Station.

This station will improve environmental protection by providing access to management and treatment of wastewater, as well as providing access to potable water for uses including maintenance activities and construction projects within our community. This facility can be accessed by contractors as well as the general public who require “bulk water” or require disposal of wastewater such as “septic pumping” through a licenced contractor. It is open 24 hours a day, 365 days a year.

“Not only will this facility result in better service to our community, it will result in additional revenue to the City of Pembroke due to additional sales from this more accessible facility,” said Mayor Ron Gervais at the opening celebrations today.

The station is named in memory of City of Pembroke employee, John Beevis. John was a dedicated member of the City’s team from 1991-2018, working in the Parks and Recreation Department as well as the Water Distribution & Wastewater Collection Section of the Operations Department. His tragic death in 2018 was felt deeply across the organization, as he was well known as a strong mentor for other employees and a committed worker, serving Pembroke residents with great respect and understanding.

“The sheer mention of John Beevis brings a warm smile to everyone, followed by a story of how John positively impacted their life,” said Curtis Mick, Water Distribution and Wastewater Collection Supervisor. “I am proud to say John was my friend and I know he would be overwhelmed with pride at this dedication ceremony for this facility.”

Mayor Gervais added, “John Beevis was a very valued member of our community and employee of the City of Pembroke before his untimely passing. This is a great way to continue to leave John’s mark on our community.”

For more information on the station, contact the Operations Department at 613-735-6821 ext. 1403.