CLIENT: Big White Water Utility
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
Ecora was engaged to provide civil, mechanical, and structural design services for a new 2,859 m3 rectangular concrete reservoir at Big White Ski Resort. This project was driven by the need to increase fire storage capacity and ensure adequate water supply for the resort’s continued expansion.
To accommodate limited available space and steep terrain, Ecora designed an “L”-shaped reservoir layout, optimizing land use while maintaining the required storage volume. The project included preliminary and detailed design, regulatory permitting, tender preparation, and construction oversight, ensuring compliance with Interior Health Authority (IHA) requirements. The reservoir was commissioned in October 2023.
Reservoir & Water System Design
• Preliminary and detailed design of a 2,859 m3 single-cell concrete reservoir to supplement fire storage shortfalls.
• Optimization of reservoir layout, incorporating an “L” shape design to fit within site constraints and steep terrain.
• Seamless integration into the existing water system to maintain operational efficiency.
Regulatory Approvals & Permitting
• Interior Health Construction Permit approval for water system upgrades.
• Design compliance with provincial water infrastructure and health authority regulations.
Contract Administration & Construction Support
• Preparation of CCDC-based tender documents and contractor selection.
• Field reviews, record drawings, and final testing, including leakage testing, chlorination, and disinfection.
CHALLENGES & APPROACH:
Space Constraints & Terrain Limitations
• Challenge: The limited available land and steep site slopes restricted conventional reservoir configurations.
• Solution: PRI designed an “L” shaped reservoir layout, allowing for optimal land use while maintaining required storage volume.
Regulatory Approvals & Health Authority Compliance
• Challenge: The project required Interior Health Construction Permit approvals to ensure regulatory compliance.
• Solution: PRI worked closely with IHA representatives early in the process, incorporating health authority standards into the design and expediting the permitting process.
Integration with Existing Water System
• Challenge: The new reservoir had to be integrated into the existing water supply system without disrupting service.
• Solution: PRI designed a strategic tie-in plan, ensuring minimal downtime and smooth operational transition.
OUTCOME:
• Designed a 2,859 m3 reservoir, resolving fire storage capacity shortfalls for Big White’s growing development needs.
• Optimized site layout with a custom “L” shaped reservoir design, maximizing efficiency within steep terrain constraints.
• Ensured full regulatory compliance, securing Interior Health Construction Permit approvals.
• Provided comprehensive construction oversight, including field reviews, leak testing, chlorination, and disinfection for successful commissioning.
• Delivered a cost-effective and constructible solution, balancing budget efficiency with long-term water reliability.