CLIENT: City of Kelowna
PROJECT DESCRIPTION:
As part of the City of Kelowna’s Annual Capital Works Utility Replacement Program, PRI was selected to provide engineering design and construction services for the Abbott Sanitary Sewer Project. The project involves the removal and replacement of 530 metres of 200mm and 150mm Asbestos Cement (AC) sanitary sewer pipe originally installed in 1949, as part of the City’s ongoing commitment to rehabilitating aging underground infrastructure.
CHALLENGE:
The existing sanitary sewer infrastructure had reached the end of its serviceable life after more than seven decades in the ground. Asbestos Cement pipe of this age presents both structural and environmental risks, requiring careful handling and replacement planning. The project demanded a thorough understanding of existing subsurface conditions and legacy infrastructure, as well as the development of viable alignment and connection options that could be clearly evaluated and approved by the City before detailed design commenced.
APPROACH:
PRI initiated the project with a kickoff meeting with the City to confirm project requirements, deliverables, and schedule. All relevant historical data was gathered, including record drawings of existing services and topographic survey data of the sanitary system. Following a thorough analysis of this information, PRI commenced preliminary design, developing drawings of the sewer collection system that presented options for service connections and main alignments. A preliminary design submission meeting was held with the City to walk through the initial design options and explain the underlying design philosophy, ensuring all parties had a clear understanding of the alternatives before proceeding to detailed design.
OUTCOME:
The structured preliminary design process enabled the City of Kelowna to make well-informed decisions on alignment and servicing options prior to committing to a final design. PRI’s methodical approach — from data collection and analysis through to collaborative design review — established a strong foundation for detailed design and construction, supporting the City’s objective of replacing deteriorating AC pipe infrastructure with a reliable, modern sewer system.