Executive Summary - Sturgeon County

Sturgeon Valley Fire Protection Study - Draft Report 

STURGEON COUNTY 

Executive Summary 

In February 2009, Sturgeon County retained Sameng Inc. to perform a study on the level of fire 

protection currently provided to the Sturgeon Valley area, and to make recommendations to provide 

protection similar to that provided in urban municipalities. This study is a component of a larger 

initiative that includes utility servicing updates, land use planning and transportation. The purpose of 

this study is to provide the basis for upgrading the municipal water supply system such that the area is 

adequately protected from fires. The overall scope of this study is to: 

1. Determine the required protection of the area based on current standards and the types of 

existing development within the Valley. 

2. Determine the adequacy of the existing potable water distribution system for providing that 

protection. 

3. Determine required improvements in the system and develop implementation sequencing and 

cost estimates. 

This document outlines the results of these tasks. 

Fire Protection Standards 

Local and international fire protection standards were researched to determine the appropriate 

requirements for fire protection in the Valley. Based on current land use it is recommended that 

the county adopt the following standards for Sturgeon Valley: 

• A minimum of 100 L/s of fire flow should be provided to all residential development areas. 

• Fire hydrants should be spaced no greater than 150 m apart from each other in residential 

areas. 

• The network should be designed such that a residual pressure of 150 kPa (22 psi) is 

maintained throughout the network during fire flows. 

• 720 m³ of storage in the reservoirs should be maintained at all times for fire flows. As the 

valley develops, this storage space should be increased to 2,000 m³ as commercial or 

multi-family development occurs, and 8,600 m³ if industrial development is added 

• When commercial or industrial development occurs, fire flows of at least 225 L/s should 

be provided to those areas. 

Water Distribution System Improvements 

The existing water distribution network does not adequately provide fire protection. Specific 

limitations are as follows: 

• The pipe network is undersized to provide flows required for adequate fire protection. In 

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addition, the network lacks the necessary looping to provide reliability. 

• There is no backup power supply within the two pump stations that service the Valley. 

• There are not enough fire hydrants installed, leaving many areas unprotected. The fire 

department relies on water tankers to supply water. 

These limitations can be eliminated by the following methods: 

• Strategic pipe additions will improve the network such that fire flows can be provided 

throughout the Valley. 

• The pump stations should be upgraded with generator sets to provide backup power, and 

the pumps upgraded to improve output capacity to meet fire protection requirements. 

• The reservoir at Allin Ridge may be expanded to provide an additional 5,000 m³ of 

storage. This will ensure that there is sufficient water to provide for future development 

and meet fire protection requirements. 

• Approximately 124 hydrants should be installed so that they are spaced no more than 150 

meters apart. 

The total cost of these improvements is estimated to be $11.9 million. 

The majority of these improvements can be implemented over a single year. Reservoir storage 

expansion could be implemented to coincide with future development needs. 

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Table of Contents 

Executive Summary 

Letter of Transmittal 

Table of Contents 

List of Tables 

Acknowledgments 

Corporate Authorization 

1.0 Introduction ......................................................................................................................1.1 

1.1 Project Background............................................................................................................1.1 

1.2 Project Scope.....................................................................................................................1.1 

1.3 Study Area Description ......................................................................................................1.2 

2.0 Fire Protection Standards ...............................................................................................2.3 

2.1 Fire Flows ..........................................................................................................................2.3 

2.2 Fire Hydrant Spacing .........................................................................................................2.4 

2.3 Residual Pressure..............................................................................................................2.5 

2.4 Fire Flow Storage...............................................................................................................2.5 

2.5 Additional Fire Protection Measures ..................................................................................2.6 

2.6 Summary of Recommended Fire Protection Standards.....................................................2.7 

3.0 Water Distribution System Analysis...............................................................................3.1 

3.1 Analysis Criteria and Methodology.....................................................................................3.1 

3.1.1 Design Criteria.....................................................................................................3.1 

3.2 Existing System Analysis ...................................................................................................3.3 

3.2.1 Existing Network..................................................................................................3.3 

3.2.2 Performance Assessment ...................................................................................3.5 

3.3 Proposed System Analysis ................................................................................................3.7 

3.3.1 Proposed Improvements to Distribution System..................................................3.7 

3.3.2 Proposed Improvements to Pump Stations & Reservoirs....................................3.9 

3.3.3 Recommended Implementation Plan ................................................................3.11 

4.0 Summary of Recommended Improvements ..................................................................4.1 

5.0 References........................................................................................................................5.1 

Drawings 

Appendix A: Conceptual Cost Estimates 

Appendix B: Modeling Results (CD) 

Appendix C: Meeting Minutes 

Appendix D: IFC and FUS Fire Protection Guidelines 

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Table 2.1: Summary of Fire Flow Standards.................................................................................2.3 

Table 2.2: Summary of Fire Hydrant Spacing Standards ..............................................................2.5 

Table 2.3 Summary of Required Storage for Fire Flows ...............................................................2.6 

Table 3.1: Summary of Reservoirs and Pump Stations.................................................................3.4 

Table 3.2: Current Status of Existing Pressure Reducing Valves .................................................3.4 

Table 3.3: Pipeline Network Summary..........................................................................................3.4 

Table 3.4: Summary of Available Storage and Requirements for the Existing Population. ...........3.7 

Table 3.5: Summary of reservoir usage after expansion of the Allin Ridge facility......................3.11 

Table 4.1 Summary of Recommended Improvements..................................................................4.1 

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Acknowledgments 

We wish to thank those who contributed time and knowledge to the development of this Fire 

Protection Study. 

Sturgeon County 

Chris Micek 

Wayne Bullock 

Bart Clark 

Roy Lidgren 

Bill Minnes 

Ian McKay 

Trevor Mistal 

Luis Esteves 

Tammy Lockhart 

Sameng Inc. Project Team 

David Yue 

Nathan Forsyth 

Nicolas Abarca 

Matt McCrank 

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1.0 Introduction 

1.1 Project Background 

In 2008, Sturgeon County received inquiries from residents of the Sturgeon Valley area to 

examine the feasibility of upgrading this area’s potable water supply system to provide fire 

protection. At the time, there were also numerous development proposals that required a 

comprehensive review of the existing system’s capability to allow growth in the valley area. 

Sturgeon County had thus initiated an engineering study to begin the detailed review and growth 

planning for the water and wastewater utilities of the Sturgeon Valley area. This study completed 

its initial work on September 2008 and a draft report for the Sturgeon Valley Utility Servicing 

Update was produced by Sameng Inc. for review by the County and other stakeholders. 

The Sturgeon Valley Utility Servicing Update inventoried the existing potable water supply system 

of the valley area and constructed a water distribution model for the engineering analysis. This 

computer model and the analysis work served as the basis for the current fire protection study. 

It should be noted that other engineering and planning activities are also underway for the 

Sturgeon Valley area. The fire protection study took into consideration the relevant conclusions 

from these initiatives while at the same time providing useful input. Some of these planning 

activities include. 

• Area Structure Plan for the Sturgeon Valley area 

• Transportation Master Plan 

• Parks and Trails Plan 

• Emergency and Protective Services Plan 

• Update to Water and Wastewater Utility Plan 

• Stormwater Master Plan 

The fire protection concept(s) must be compatible with all major planning activities. 

1.2 Project Scope 

This fire protection study includes analyzing the level of service currently provided to the Sturgeon 

Valley Area. The overall scope of this study includes the following tasks: 

1. Determine the required fire protection of the area based on current standards. 

2. Determine the adequacy of the existing potable water distribution system in providing that 

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protection. 

3. Determine required improvements in the system and develop implementation sequences 

and cost estimates. 

This document outlines the work done on these tasks. 

1.3 Study Area Description 

The study area is located on the south-central edge of Sturgeon County on the border of the City 

of Edmonton to the south and the City of St. Albert to the southwest. Drawing 1 outlines the Study 

Area Location. The study area is bounded by Highway 37 to the north, Highway 28 to the east, the 

City of Edmonton corporate boundary to the south, and St. Albert city limits and Range Road 253 

to the west. The Sturgeon River bisects the study area as it flows from south to north. The study 

area is made up of 5250 ha with approximately 2900 ha of developable land. Lands assumed to 

be not developable in this study are road and railway right-of-ways, the river and its 1:100 year 

floodplain, and environmental reserves. 

Land-Use 

Sturgeon Valley is currently made up of a mix of country residential and agricultural zoning. There 

are currently 28 neighbourhoods in The Valley. Most of the neighbourhoods are situated in areas 

adjacent to the Sturgeon River and they have an average lot density of approximately six people 

per hectare. The more recently constructed sub-divisions such as Greystone Manor and Upper 

Manor Pointe have slightly more dense land-use at approximately 10 people per hectare. Drawing 

2 summarizes neighbourhood information based on lot plans and cadastral information. 

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2.0 Fire Protection Standards 

A number of fire protection standards are in use today, and the selection of which standards are 

used in each jurisdiction is decided by local governments, in cooperation with local fire 

departments and insurance agencies. These protection standards relate to required fire flows, 

storage capacity, and spacing of fire hydrants. 

2.1 Fire Flows 

Fire flows are amounts of water necessary to control fires. Sturgeon County does not currently 

have a policy for requiring fire flows to rural areas. When fire flows are required, they are 

determined according to the Fire Underwriters Survey (FUS), a service to insurers and 

municipalities administered by CGI Insurance Business Services. Other sources for fire flow 

standards were consulted, including the International Fire Code (IFC) and EPCOR. Table 2.1 

summarizes the different fire flows recommended by each of the above mentioned sources, and 

the final recommendation made to the County. 

Table 2.1: Summary of Fire Flow Standards 

Land Use 

International Fire 

Code 

(L/s) 

Fire 

Underwriter's 

Survey 

(L/s) 

EPCOR 

(L/s) 

Recommended 

(L/s) 

Residential 63 33 -100 100 100 

Multi-Family 95 – 173 100-180 180 180 

Commercial/Industrial 200 – 500 200 – 700 300 225 

Fire flows recommended by the International Fire Code are based on a table relating building 

construction types and floor areas. The numbers given in the table represent the range of flows 

typically required. 

The Fire Underwriters Survey uses a formula for determining required fire flows for specific 

buildings. The factors considered include the floor area of the building, the construction material, 

the use of the building (residence, school, warehouse, etc.) and the separation from other 

buildings. For example, the required fire flow for a typical 3,600 square foot, two story wood frame 

house, separated by 3-10m from its neighbors, will require 100 L/s, while an 8,000 square foot 

house with cedar shingles would require 183 L/s. A 30,000 square foot school primarily 

constructed with brick or concrete would require 200 L/s. 

EPCOR has adopted a simplified standard that is generally more conservative than those 

recommended by the IFC or the FUS. Methods for calculating fire flow requirements for specific 

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buildings can be found under Appendix D. 

Additional standard recommendations by the FUS and IFC include the following: 

• Systems are looped wherever possible. This reduces the risk that a line break will interrupt 

flows to where they are required and will improve overall flow availability to an area. 

• Pumping stations are equipped with a fire pump that can operate when needed. 

• Pumping stations have backup power supplies, such that power outages will not interrupt 

fire flows. 

• A fuel (diesel) driven fire pump is recommended where backup power systems are not 

feasible. 

• A static source (a large pool or permanent pond) is a suitable replacement for fire flows 

when pumping trucks are available. 

The entire area to be protected is comprised mostly of two-story single family residences, spaced 

at least 3 meters apart. According to the information contained in Table 2.1, a minimum fire flow of 

100 L/s throughout the area would satisfy both FUS and IFC requirements. 

There are several large houses with a floor space greater than 3,600 square feet that would 

require fire flows greater than 100 L/s to be adequately protected under IFC and FUS guidelines. 

However, the retrofits necessary to provide the full required flow to these individual buildings may 

not be feasible at this time. These buildings may be addressed in the community fire plan, as 

stated in the following quote obtained from the 2003 International Fire Code. 

B103.1 Decreases. The fire chief is authorized to reduce the fire-flow requirements for 

isolated buildings or a group of buildings in rural areas or small communities where the 

development of full fire-flow requirements is impractical. 

It is expected that required flows will be provided as the system expands to allow for adequate fire 

flows for multi-family residential developments. 

2.2 Fire Hydrant Spacing 

Current Sturgeon County Standards contain information regarding the placement and spacing of 

fire hydrants; these, along with recommendations from other sources and the recommended value 

that the County should adopt are summarized in Table 2.2. As seen in the table, current County 

standards do not match industry norms and should be revised. The spacing of hydrants is 

important in allowing emergency crews to access fire flows quickly and easily. Fire Hydrant 

locations should be convenient for fire department use. Hydrants should be located at 

intersections, in the middle of long blocks, and at the end of long dead-end streets. 

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Table 2.2: Summary of Fire Hydrant Spacing Standards 

Land Use 

International 

Fire Code 

(m) 

Fire 

Underwriter's 

Survey 

(m) 

Current 

Sturgeon 

County 

(m) 

EPCOR 

(m) 

Recommended 

(m) 

Residential 150 180 300 150 150 

Non-Residential/ 

Multi-Family 100 90 150 90 90 

The hydrants currently installed in the study area do not meet the standards currently set by the 

county. It is recommended that more hydrants be installed to meet the recommended new 

standard for residential areas. This will satisfy FUS and IFC requirements as well. 

2.3 Residual Pressure 

While flows from a hydrant are unrestricted, a certain amount of line pressure is required to 

overcome friction losses in the hydrant branch, hydrant, and suction hose. It is also important to 

reserve line pressure in the network to avoid loss of service. For modeling purposes, a residual 

pressure of 150 kPa (22 psi) during maximum daily demand conditions was maintained. This is 

the minimum residual pressure recommended by the Fire Underwriters Survey. 

2.4 Fire Flow Storage 

The Fire Underwriters Survey requires that there be sufficient water supply to provide fire flows for 

2 hours in single family residential areas, and 3 hours in non-residential and multi-family 

developments. This is considered to be the maximum time it should take to extinguish a single fire 

in these areas. Greater durations are required for structures that entail extreme fire flows such as 

high-rise buildings and heavy industrial complexes, but development of this type is not expected in 

the study area. Based on the recommended fire flows, and the duration for which those flows 

should be maintained, the ultimate storage required is determined. Table 2.3 summarizes storage 

requirements by IFC and FUS standards and shows the storage recommended for the study area. 

These requirements are based on recommended fire flows and the FUS requirements for flow 

duration. Based on the information contained in the table, the existing reservoirs within the study 

area have sufficient capacity to provide for the current level of development, but reservoir 

expansion will be required as more development occurs. This will be addressed in detail in the 

following sections. 

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Table 2.3 Summary of Required Storage for Fire Flows 

Land-use 

International 

Fire Code 

(m 3 ) 

Fire Underwriter's 

Survey 

(m 3 ) 

Recommended 

(m 3 ) 

Residential 450 720 720 

Commercial/Multi-Family 2,000 2,500 2,500 

Industrial/High Rise 3,000 - 14,400 3,000 - 22,800 N/A 

2.5 Additional Fire Protection Measures 

Some property owners may desire a higher level of fire protection than what can reasonably be 

provided by County standards for fire flows and hydrant spacing. Those with large houses may 

require additional fire protection to reduce insurance premiums and add personal security. Even 

though the County may not provide more than 100 L/s of fire flow, these property owners can 

enhance their fire protection through the following measures: 

• Firewalls that isolate fires within smaller sections of a building. 

• Automatic alarms that alert emergency services directly. 

• Sprinkler systems to provide fire suppression to slow the spread of fires. 

These systems may only reduce insurance premiums when they are properly designed, and 

regularly tested and inspected. The cost of installing and maintaining these systems generally 

restricts their benefit to buildings that would otherwise require more than 100 L/s of fire flow. It is 

important to reiterate that the use of sprinklers is not a substitute for providing minimum fire flows. 

Though installation of sprinkler systems and alarms may not effectively reduce overall fire flow 

requirements in the Sturgeon Valley area, it would contribute to the general fire protection of the 

community and should be encouraged. 

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2.6 Summary of Recommended Fire Protection Standards 

The County could provide adequate fire protection that will satisfy international standards and 

underwriter recommendations. The following standards should be applied to the Sturgeon Valley 

Area to provide adequate fire protection for existing developments within the study area: 

• A minimum of 100 L/s of fire flow could be provided to all residential development areas. 

• Fire hydrants should be spaced no greater than 150m apart from each other in residential 

areas. 

• 720 m³ of storage in each reservoir should be maintained at all times for fire flows. 

As the Sturgeon Valley community develops, the County should continue to provide fire flows by 

building new infrastructure to meet the following criteria. 

• As the valley develops, fire flows of 180L/s should be provided to multi-family residential 

development and 225L/s to commercial/industrial areas. 

• The network should be designed such that a residual pressure of 150 kPa (22 psi) is 

maintained throughout the network during fire flows. 

• As the valley develops, volumes stored in the reservoirs should be increased to 2,500 m³ 

to provide for fire flows and durations required to protect commercial, industrial, and multifamily 

development. As the distribution network expands, this volume may be shared 

between the two existing reservoirs. 

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Sturgeon Valley Fire Protection Study – Draft Report 


3.0 Water Distribution System Analysis 

3.1 Analysis Criteria and Methodology 

3.1.1 Design Criteria 

The performance of the Valley’s existing water distribution network was previously assessed as 

part of the Sturgeon Valley Utility Servicing Update study conducted in 2008. The criteria adopted 

in this study to assess the system was based on available design standards. Where applicable, 

Sturgeon County Design Standards were utilized. However, it should be noted that through 

consultation with the County, standards that were not available were adopted from other 

municipalities’ standards. For the present study, the analysis of the system’s performance and the 

design of recommended upgrades for fire protection were based on the criteria adopted for in the 

2008 study. These criteria are summarized below: 

Lot Density 

o Study Area density = 10 people / ha 

o # of people / lot = 3.5 

Flow Requirements 

Network analysis and upgrading requirements are based on water consumption and minimum 

pressures required to ensure adequate system operation. The following is a summary of demand 

and pressure criteria adopted for this study: 

o 

o 

o 

o 

o 

o 

o 

o 

Average Daily Demand (ADD) ( for residential areas) = 320 L/person/day 

Average Daily Demand (for non-residential areas) = 6170 L/ha/day 

Maximum Daily Demand (MDD) = 2*ADD 

Peak Hourly Demand (PHD) = 2*MDD 

Minimum Residual Pressure during PHD = 280 kPa (40 psi) 

Minimum residual pressure during MDD + Fire Flow = 150 kPa (21.7 psi) 

Minimum residual pressure during MDD = 350 kPa (50 psi) 

Acceptable range of pressure during ADD = 380-620 kPa (55-90 psi) 

Storage Requirements 

Reservoir sizing and assessments on the storage capacity of existing facilities is based on the 

system’s capability of providing five times the maximum daily consumption of water in the 

Valley. On top of this, reservoirs should also have sufficient storage to provide complete fire 

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flows for a period of two hours. It should be noted that inflow from the supply lines to the 

reservoirs is also taken into account, as usually this inflow is uninterrupted. The Region Water 

Customers Group manages a supply of 1.5 times the average daily consumption in the Valley. 

The following summarizes this criterion: 

o 

Reservoirs are sized to accommodate the following volume: 

S = 5 *[2* ADD −1.5* 

ADD] 

+ FireFlow = 2.5* 

ADD + FF + Emergency [m 3 ] 

Where: 2 * ADD = MDD and is the demand from the reservoir. 

1.5 * ADD is the available inflow from the supply line to the reservoir. 

Emergency = 10% of the total storage 

o 

Minimum storage available for fire flow (single-family residential property): 

FF = 

3 

3 

= 100L 

/ s *2hours 

*3600s 

/ hr * m /1000L 

720m 

[m 3 ] 

Pipe Sizing 

Current County standards define a criterion for pipe sizing and modeling of the water 

distribution network. These standards define minimum pipe sizes and recommended modeling 

parameters that should be used during system analysis. Modeling of the network was 

conducted using the EPANet 2.0 modeling software developed by the U.S Environmental 

Protection Agency. The software performs extended period simulations of hydraulic behavior 

within pressurized pipes, connected together by nodes. The model tracks the flow in each pipe 

and the pressure at each node. 

The following summarizes pipe sizing and modeling criteria adopted: 

o 

o 

o 

o 

Minimum sizes to be used for distribution mains = 150 mm (for residential areas), 200 mm 

(for commercial/industrial areas). 

Maximum velocity under normal operating conditions = 3.0 m/s: This restriction is used to 

prevent water hammer problems within the system and to avoid excessive friction losses, 

which can lead to an inefficient operation of the network. This maximum velocity is 

checked during system analysis. 

Minimum depth of cover = 2.75 m measured from top of pipe to finished grade. 

System analysis is conducted via the Hazen-Williams Equation: 

Q = 

2.63 0.54 

0.278* 

C * D * S 

Where: 

C = Hazen-Williams roughness coefficient. As specified in County standards, a C value of 

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140 was assumed in analyses conducted for the Sturgeon Valley Utility Servicing update 

study, for all water pipes in the study area. This value was also adopted for the present 

study. 

D = Pipe diameter in meters. 

S = slope of energy grade line. 

3.2 Existing System Analysis 

An analysis of the potable water system was performed as part of the Sturgeon Valley Utility 

Servicing Update of 2008. The EPANet 2.0 model developed for the 2008 study was adopted for 

the present study, and used to conduct additional analyses that focused on fire flows and hydrant 

servicing. Modeling results are included under Appendix B. The following sections describe the 

intricacies and results of this additional analysis. 

3.2.1 Existing Network 

The existing water distribution system receives its water from EPCOR at two locations. The 

system in the Valley consists of the following infrastructure which is shown in Drawing 3. 

Water supply lines: 

o 150 mm diameter line from the 550 mm diameter Morinville Regional Water Line which 

feeds the Summerbrook Reservoir. 

The 550 mm Waterline is a feed originating from the EPCOR primary system as it comes 

directly from the E.L. Smith Water Treatment Facility. As a result, there are many draws 

from this supply line. Sturgeon County owns 23.3 % of the ultimate line capacity. Using a 

range of 280 to 320 L/s for the Morinville line, the County has available 65 to 75 L/s. 

o 300 mm diameter line from the Castledowns Reservoir in the City of Edmonton. This 300 

mm line is adjacent to 127 Street and fills the Allin Ridge Reservoir. 

This supply line is part of EPCOR’s high pressure distribution system and therefore it must 

maintain a minimum service pressure of 280 kPa at the Remand Centre for Young 

Offenders. The Utility Servicing Update of 2008 states that the supply pressure at the 127 

Street connection will be more stable under peak demand conditions than those of the 550 

mm Morinville Waterline. 

Reservoirs and pump stations: 

There are currently two reservoirs and pump stations within the water distribution system. Both 

facilities contain two overhead truck fill connections. The following table summarizes total 

reservoir storage capacities and pumping equipment contained within these facilities. 

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Table 3.1: Summary of Reservoirs and Pump Stations 

Facility 

Reservoir 

Capacity (m³) 

Target HGL 

(m) 

Distribution 

Pumps 

Truck Fill 

Pumps 

Summerbrook 2,276 740-765 2 x 20 HP 2 x 7.5 HP 

Allin Ridge 5,000 740-765 2 x 30 HP 1 x Unknown HP 

Pressure reducing valves: 

o There are 6 PRVs in existing system. 

The following table summarizes the status of these PRVs: 

Table 3.2: Current Status of Existing Pressure Reducing Valves 

Location 

Summerbrook 

Upper Manor Estates 

Bristol Oakes 

Pinnacle Ridge 

Upper Viscount Estates 

The Crossing at Rivers Edge 

Current Status 

Closed 

Closed 

Active 

Active 

Active 

Active 

Pipeline network: 

o The water distribution network consists of water mains ranging in diameter from 150 to 

250 mm as well as service lines to private lots. Table 3.3 provides a summary of total 

lengths for different diameters of distribution lines: 

Table 3.3: Pipeline Network Summary 

Diameter (mm) 

Total Pipe Lentgh (m) 

150 27,736 

200 14,114 

250 1,959 

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3.2.2 Performance Assessment 

Supply Lines 

According to the Utility Servicing Update Report of 2008, the maximum capacity in the 150 mm 

supply line from the 550 mm diameter Morinville Waterline to the Summerbrook Reservoir is 

approximately 20 L/s. This flow rate is based on the capacity of the 2,276 m 3 Summerbrook 

Reservoir. Unless the reservoir volume is increased, there is no reason to exceed this flow rate. 

The existing feed supplies in the range of 10 to 20 L/s. The range results from the influence of the 

Allin Ridge Reservoir and the division of the existing population servicing between the two 

reservoirs. 

The maximum capacity of the 300 mm diameter 127 Street supply line from the Castledowns 

Reservoir is approximately 65 L/s. The existing feed supplies in the range of 10 to 20 L/s. 

Network 

Analysis of the performance of the system during normal operating conditions was done as part of 

the Utility Servicing Update. According to the information contained in this report, pressures in the 

existing system are within the acceptable range during peak hour demand conditions, on all areas 

except the portion of Pinnacle Ridge located in a lower elevation area, where pressures exceed 

the maximum allowable pressure of 90 psi (63 m). The report recommends the installation of a 

PRV at this location. 

The available fire flow on several nodes during Maximum Day Demand conditions for the existing 

system is illustrated in Drawing 3. These flows were obtained through modeling of the network 

using EPANet 2.0. Each of these nodes was assessed independently of the others based on the 

assumption that a fire would only occur in the vicinity of one node at a time. A 150 kPa (22 psi) 

residual pressure at each node was assumed. 

The analysis was conducted for both the current pump configuration (using actual pump curves 

provided by the County) and an upgraded configuration of the pumps that would provide the 

unrestricted required fire flows within the system. The current design discharge from the 

Summerbrook and Allin Ridge pump stations is limited to 40 L/s and 60 L/s respectively. As a 

result of these pumping limitations, actual available fire flows cannot exceed 70 L/s. On the other 

hand, under upgraded flow conditions on both facilities, the available fire flow within the network 

ranges from 25 L/s to 116 L/s. This indicates that the target minimum fire flow of 100 L/s cannot be 

achieved by pump station upgrading alone. 

While modeling of the system predicts that many areas within the zone achieve the recommended 

fire flow of 100 L/s, some locations are not supplied with this minimum requirement. These low fire 

flows are caused primarily by limitations in the existing network; the pipes are not sized to allow 

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sufficient fire flow at the recommended pressures. As mentioned earlier, even with unlimited 

supply from the reservoirs, the network is restrictive. This low fire flow is especially pronounced at 

locations where system looping does not exist. 

Pressure Reducing Valves 

The Utility Servicing Update report of 2008 recommends that every PRV within the system be 

active at all times, in order to provide adequate servicing pressures for the entire Valley area. 

However, at present, the Summerbrook and Upper Manor Estates PRV’s must remain closed, due 

to constraints in the current configuration of the system, which would be otherwise unable to 

provide adequate pressures to two residences within the south end of Summerbrook Estates. 

Though these two lots are located high in the valley, they are serviced via the low pressure zone 

of the network. Activation of the PRV in Summerbrook Estates causes a loss of pressure to these 

lots. 

The remaining four PRV’s (Table 3.2) are currently active. The line in which the upper Viscount 

Estates PRV is located is sufficient to supply consumptive flows within the low pressure zone, but 

will not be sufficient for providing adequate fire protection. 

Hydrant Spacing 

The spacing of existing fire Hydrants is illustrated in Drawing 6. While many developments meet or 

exceed County design standards, several developments are not adequately serviced by fire 

hydrants, with some homes located more than 300 meters from the nearest hydrant. The 

neighborhoods of Upper Manor Estates, Upper Viscount Estates, and Sturgeon Crest are 

especially unprotected, with a single hydrant in areas larger than 2 hectares. 

Existing Storage 

There are 7,276 m 3 of existing storage in the study area, distributed among the Allin Ridge and 

Summerbrook facilities. Based on a lot count for the existing, recently constructed, and to be 

constructed sub-divisions the total population to be serviced by these reservoirs is 4,516 people 

(3.5 people / lot). This results in an ADD of approximately 1,450 m 3 /day (16.8 L/s). Based on the 

criteria described in Section 3.1.1, the necessary storage requirement including fire flow capacity 

is approximately 5,200 m 3 for the entire Valley. Therefore, the current reservoirs have sufficient 

capacity to supply the existing population as well as provide fire flow capabilities. The following 

table provides a summary of existing storage capacity for both the Summerbrook and the Allin 

Ridge reservoirs. Operational storage was obtained by subtracting 10% emergency storage and 

full fire flow components from total storage at each facility. 

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Table 3.4: Summary of Available Storage and Requirements for the Existing Population. 

Storage Component 

Summerbrook 

(m 3 ) 

Allin Ridge 

(m 3 ) 

Total Required 

Storage (m 3 ) 1 

Operational Storage 1,329 3,780 3,625 

Fire Flow 720 720 1440 

10% Emergency Storage 227 500 562 

Total 2,276 5,000 5,127 

1 Based on sizing criteria described in Section 3.1.1. 

3.3 Proposed System Analysis 

3.3.1 Proposed Improvements to Distribution System 

Water Main Network 

In order to deliver flows of 100L/s or greater to all buildings in the service area, a number of pipes 

must be added to complete the network. These upgrades are illustrated in Drawings 4 and 5. 

Furthermore, these additions create complete loops that add to the reliability of the network. 

Detailed cost estimates for each improvement have been made and can be found in Appendix A. 

The specific improvements are as follows 

• A(1) - Allin Ridge Reservoir to Tuscany Hills. The 150mm main line to Tuscany Hills is 

undersized to provide sufficient fire flows. It is recommended that the main from Allin 

Ridge be expanded to 600 mm to127th Street, and to 450 mm along 127 th Street to 

Tuscany Hills. This improvement is estimated to cost $537,000. Because this section will 

help service the area east of 127 th Street, a portion of this cost may be recovered. 

• A(2) - 127 th Street to Regency Estates. From the proposed main on 127 th Street, a 

300mm link should be connected to the main under Sturgeon Road. This improvement, 

along with the link between Tuscany Hills and Upper Viscount Estates, will provide 100L/s 

of fire flows to Crestview Estates and Sturgeon Crest. With these two improvements, the 

main under Sturgeon road does not need to be expanded or twinned to provide the 

required flow capacities. This improvement is estimated to cost $258,000. 

• B - Tuscany Hills to Upper Viscount Estates. When the remaining pipes are laid in the 

Tuscany Hills development, it is recommended that an extension be made along the 

existing right of way to the main servicing Upper Viscount Estates. This provides additional 

flow capacity to both neighborhoods and beyond, as well as completes an important loop 

in the system. This improvement is estimated to cost $546,000. This includes the cost of 

the necessary pipe through Phase II of Tuscany Hills. This portion of the cost may be 

Sameng Inc. 3.7



recovered when the development is completed. 

• C - Upper Manor Pointe. The dead-end trunks in this development are too long to provide 

reliable fire flows to the entire neighborhood. The mains should be looped back to the 

existing main as shown in Drawing 4. The improvement to the eastern arm of the 

development will require replacement of a concrete sidewalk. This improvement is 

estimated to cost $349,000. 

• D - Upper Viscount Estates to Sturgeon Road. It is recommended that a 300mm main 

be installed with a PRV connecting the main in Upper Viscount Estates, Lower Viscount 

Estates, and Sturgeon Heights. This link will provide flow capacity to the lower portion of 

the south valley. In addition, the installation of a check valve will allow additional flows to 

Upper Viscount Estates when needed for fire protection. This improvement is estimated to 

cost $1,157,000. 

• E(1) – Summerbrook to Coal Mine Road. A new 300mm main along Coalmine Road will 

provide flows to The Banks of Sturgeon Valley and beyond. This improvement is estimated 

to cost $603,000. 

• E(2) - South Summerbrook Estates. There are two lots south of the ravine in 

Summerbrook Estates that are currently serviced from the bottom of the hill. This prevents 

the PRV in Summerbrook Estates from being operated properly. It is proposed that a 

300mm main be installed from the Summerbrook Reservoir along the country road in front 

of these lots. This will allow for service and protection to these lots and provide service to 

future development south of this road. This improvement is estimated to cost $538,000. 

• F(1) - 250mm Main to Noroncal. A pipe connecting this high-pressure line to the main 

supplying The Crossing at Rivers Edge (upstream of the existing PRV) will provide 

additional flows to The Crossing, the future servicing to Noroncal, and provide an alternate 

flow path and additional capacity to Allin Ridge Pointe and Sturgeon Road East. This 

improvement is estimated to cost $933,000. 

• F(2) - Noroncal. When water servicing to Noroncal is installed, additional improvements 

can be made. A link to Allin Ridge Pointe will provide additional flows to that 

neighborhood, and a line with a PRV to the northern end of The Crossing will allow 

sufficient flows to that location. This improvement is estimated to cost $1,407,000. This 

estimate includes the installation of the basic water servicing of Noroncal. As much as 

70% of this cost may be recovered for providing water service to this neighborhood. 

• PRV Improvments. It is recommended that the 6 existing PRVs be adjusted to provide 

the correct pressure reductions throughout the valley. This will require additional 

Sameng Inc. 3.8



engineering design and possibly replacement of equipment. The cost of these 

improvements is estimated to be $70,000. 

• Fire Hydrants Placement. An additional 124 hydrants are required in the existing 

development to meet the recommended standards. The approximate placement of these 

new hydrants is illustrated in Drawing 6. The circles represent the effective coverage of the 

existing and proposed hydrants under the recommended hydrant spacing of 150m for 

residential areas. The total cost to install these hydrants is estimated to be $1,860,000. 

3.3.2 Proposed Improvements to Pump Stations & Reservoirs 

Several improvements to pump stations and reservoirs are being proposed at this time, in order to 

accommodate for fire protection requirements. Proposed improvements to each facility are 

different, and vary depending on age, location and feasibility for expansion. Through discussions 

with the County, it was agreed upon that both facilities should be equipped with a backup power 

source (i.e. a generator) as an alternative to direct driven pumps for fire protection. In addition to 

being a more economic choice, it would also allow full operational status of both facilities in case 

of power outages. 

At this time, improvements to the facilities are at a conceptual level of detail. Drawing 7 illustrates 

the proposed improvements to both facilities; these are addressed in the following sections. 

Summerbrook Pump Station Upgrade 

The Summerbrook Pump Station and Reservoir facility was commissioned in 1983 and has been 

revamped over the years. The land where the reservoir is currently located does not allow for easy 

construction of additional storage cells, and the pump house is relatively small, presenting no 

feasible opportunity for expansion. As a result, it was determined that any short-term reservoir 

expansion should be conducted at the Allin Ridge facility instead. 

The Summerbrook facility’s mechanical equipment is relatively old and as such, a complete 

mechanical replacement is warranted. The following summarizes the proposed works at this 

facility: 

1. At present, the facility has two truck fill connections, operating independently from the main 

header. Two separate pumps are being used for each truck fill, one of them located in a 

separate room within the pump station. It is proposed that this room be used to house a Diesel 

Generator and its fuel tank. It should be noted that metering equipment is currently located 

within this room, and should be relocated accordingly. The pump house structure should be 

assessed, particularly the floor slab, to accommodate for the removal of the current equipment 

and the installation of the generator. The access door to the separate room should be widened 

to allow installation and removal of the equipment. 

Sameng Inc. 3.9



2. The current 150 mm diameter header should be replaced with a 300 mm header to 

accommodate future flow requirements. 

3. Existing pumps (including the truck fill pump) are due for replacement. At this time, it is 

recommended that they be replaced with two 30 L/s, 60 m of head and one 60 L/s, 60 m of 

head vertical turbine pumps. 

4. Truck fill connections should feed directly from the main header. Flow control valves and 

metering equipment should be installed for each truck fill connection. 

5. The total costs associated with the upgrade of the Summerbrook pump station are expected to 

be $963,000. Conceptual costs estimates are included under Appendix A 

Allin Ridge Pump Station Upgrade and Reservoir Expansion 

The Allin Ridge Pump Station and Reservoir facility was commissioned in 2002. Mechanical 

equipment is relatively new and does not warrant a replacement. Current recommendations aim to 

allow all mechanical equipment within the pump station to be preserved as much as possible. 

Modifications to the existing pump house are summarized below: 

1. The current 250 mm diameter header should be replaced with a 750 mm diameter header to 

accommodate future flow requirements. Even though the existing pumps were found adequate 

and do not warrant a replacement, connection to the new header will require some 

modification to the existing pump configuration. 

2. A third 60 L/s, 60 m of head vertical turbine pump should be installed. A pedestal is already in 

place for the installation of a third pump. 

3. A diesel generator and fuel tank should be installed within the pump station, adjacent to the 

new pump. 

4. No modifications are required for the truck fill equipment, which currently operates with a 

separate pump. 

5. Total costs associated with upgrading Allin Ridge Pump Station were estimated at $545,000. 

A breakdown of these costs can be found under Appendix A. 

As mentioned above, reservoir expansion should be conducted at this location. Through 

discussions with the County, it was determined that an initial expansion of 5,000 m 3 be conducted 

at a time to be determined, with the construction of a new single reservoir storage cell. Total costs 

associated with the construction of this cell were estimated at $5,831,000; conceptual cost 

estimates are included under Appendix A. 

The expansion of the reservoir will benefit both existing and future residents, as it would provide 

Sameng Inc. 3.10



an overall improved water distribution network. As such, the costs associated with this expansion 

could be shared between existing and future residents, proportional to total future reservoir usage. 

Based on an Average Day Demand of 1,450 m 3 for existing developments (established in Section 

3.2.2), it is expected that existing residents should cover approximately 37% of the total costs. 

This translates into approximately $2.2 million. The following table summarizes total reservoir 

usage after a 5,000 m 3 addition to the Allin Ridge Facility. 

Table 3.5: Summary of reservoir usage after expansion of the Allin Ridge facility 

Component Volume (m 3 ) 

A. Reservoir Usage of Existing Developments = 2.5 x ADD 3,625 

B. Total current available storage = Summerbrook + Allin Ridge 7,276 

C. Total available storage after expansion = B + 5,000 m 3 12,276 

D. Total fire flow storage after expansion (Full fire flow at both facilities) 1,440 

E. 10% emergency storage after expansion = C x 10% 1,230 

F. Total operational storage after expansion = C – D – E 9,606 

% Usage of existing residents = A / F x 100% 37% 

3.3.3 Recommended Implementation Plan 

The pipe improvements are designed to raise the level of fire protection in the Sturgeon Valley 

Area. The pipe improvements alone will raise the available fire flows to 100L/s to most of the 

network. As such the pipe improvements should be given priority over the pump station upgrades. 

However, if resources allow it may be beneficial to upgrade the pump stations concurrently with 

the pipe improvements. Consideration should be given to minimize the disruption of domestic 

water supply to residences. In some cases, interim supply measures should be taken to maintain 

uninterrupted service. Most improvements are independent of others and as such, the actual 

sequence of construction is flexible for most works, with the exception of the pump stations. The 

Summerbrook Pump Station should be upgraded and brought back online before improvements to 

the Allin Ridge Pump Station and Reservoir are started. This is due to the fact that the Allin Ridge 

facility has the capacity to supply consumptive flow for the entire Valley, while the Summerbrook 

station is insufficiently equipped. 

The following sequence is one suggestion that may be modified as opportunity and funds allow: 

The implementation of these improvements can be separated into 4 stages. 

Sameng Inc. 3.11



Stage 1: Summerbrook Pump Station and Area Improvements. 

The Allin Ridge Reservoir has sufficient pump capacity to supply most of the serviced area with 

Peak hourly flow while the Summerbrook Reservoir is out of service. The neighborhoods of 

Summerbrook Estates, The Banks of Sturgeon Valley and Greystone Manor will need to be 

provided with interim water supply. 

As the improvements to Summerbrook are being made, the new mains leading north and south 

from this station can be completed. In addition, by isolating the system at Starkey Road, the 

improvements in Upper Manor Point can be completed without major disruption to residences in 

that neighborhood. 

With the improvement to south Summerbrook Estates completed, the PRVs in that neighborhood 

and Upper Manor Estates can be activated. 

Stage 2: Allin Ridge Pump Station and Area Improvements 

The upgraded Summerbrook Pump Station will be able to supply most of the service network with 

peak hourly flows. Interim supply is required only to Tuscany Hills to maintain line pressure in 

periods of high demand. This temporary supply will allow the recommended mains from Allin 

Ridge to be tied into the Tuscany Hills System without disrupting service to that area. 

The improvement to Regency estates can also be completed while the Allin Ridge Pump Station is 

out of service. There will be a small disruption to a few residences in Regency Estates as this 

improvement is tied into the existing main. 

Stage 3: Both Stations in Service 

When both stations are back in service, the high pressure main running north across the river can 

be taken out of service so that a line to The Crossing at Rivers Edge and Noroncal can be 

completed. This line will be installed using directional drilling and may require providing interim 

service to The Crossing. As Noroncal is currently not serviced, residents in this neighborhood will 

be unaffected. 

When the horizontal drilling is completed at this improvement, the same equipment can be used to 

install the link between Upper Viscount Estates and Sturgeon Road. The line can be dug in two 

directions from the location of the PRV vault. Connections should be made to Sturgeon Heights 

and Lower Viscount Estates as well. An easement must be obtained across private property for 

this improvement. This may affect the timing of this stage. 

Before this line is brought into service, the Pressure Reducing Valve (PRV) on this line must be 

balanced with the existing PRVs to establish the correct pressures in the lower part of the valley. 

This may require an interruption in service to a large portion of the valley, and so should be timed 

Sameng Inc. 3.12



appropriately to avoid unnecessary inconvenience to residents. 

Stage 4: Development Dependant Improvements 

The remaining improvements are to be done in connection with future development. The link from 

Tuscany Hills should be done as the mains for that development are being installed. The same is 

true for the improvements in Noroncal. Implementing these improvements at the time of 

development will save on total costs, and provide minimal disruption to the network. 

These improvements should be done within one or two years. While the pump stations are out of 

operation, additional fire protection measures should be considered including burn bans, water 

trunks, and water use restrictions. 

Sameng Inc. 3.13



4.0 Summary of Recommended Improvements 

The recommended improvements and their estimated costs are summarized in Table 4.1. The 

detailed cost estimates for each component can be found in Appendix A. It should be noted that 

some of these costs may be reduced through cooperation with developers. 

Table 4.1 Summary of Recommended Improvements 

Improvement Quantity/Length Total Cost 

A1 Allin Ridge Reservoir to Tuscany Hills 600 m $537,000 

A2 127 th Street to Regency Estates 280 m $258,000 

B Tuscany Hills to Upper Viscount Estates 150 m $546,000 

C Upper Manor Pointe 350 m $349,000 

D 

Upper Viscount Estates to Sturgeon 

Road 

1200 m $1,157,000 

E1 Summerbrook to Coal Mine Road 700 m $603,000 

E2 South Summerbrook Estates 620 m $538,000 

F1 North/South 250 mm Main to Noroncal 800 m $933,000 

F2 Noroncal 300 m $1,407,000 

Existing PRV Improvements 6 $70,000 

Fire Hydrant Placement 124 $1,860,000 

Summerbrook Pump Station 

Improvements 

Lump Sum $963,000 

Allin Ridge Pump Station Improvements Lump Sum $545,000 

Allin Ridge Reservoir Expansion 1 5000 m³ $2,160,000 

Total $11,926,000 

1 Only the percentage covered by existing residents is included 

The total cost of all proposed improvements is estimated to be $11,926,000. 

Sameng Inc. 4.1



5.0 References 

Preiksaitis, Armin A. & Associates Ltd. Sturgeon Valley Area Structure Plan – Bylaw 882/99. 

September 28, 1999. 

Sameng Inc. 2008. Sturgeon Valley Utility Servicing Update Draft Report. September, 2008. 

CGI Group Inc. Fire Underwriters Survey; Water Supply for Public Fire Protection, 1999 

Sameng Inc.



List of Drawings 

Drawing 1: Study Area Location Plan 

Drawing 2: Official Neighbourhood Boundaries and Environmental Reserves 

Drawing 3: Existing Water Distribution Network 

Drawing 4: Recommended Network Improvements 

Drawing 5: Recommended System Improvement Details 

Drawing 6: Hydrant Coverage 

Drawing 7: Conceptual Pump Station Upgrades 

Drawings 

Sameng Inc.




Table A-1: Costs Summary 

Table A-2: Strategic Pipe Improvements Southwest 

Table A-3: Strategic Pipe Improvements East 

Table A-4: Strategic Pipe Improvements Northwest 

Table A-5: Summerbrook Pump Station Upgrades 

Table A-6: Allin Ridge Pump Station Upgrades 

Table A-7: Allin Ridge Reservoir Upgrade – Add 5,000m 3 

Appendix A: Conceptual Cost Estimates 

Sameng Inc.



Appendix B: Modeling Results (CD) 

Sameng Inc.



Appendix C: Stakeholder Meeting Minutes 

List of Minutes 

February 4, 2009 – Project Meeting #1 with Sturgeon County 

March 9, 2009– Project Meeting # 2 with Sturgeon County 

April 9, 2009 – Project Meeting # 3 with Sturgeon County 

Sameng Inc.



Appendix D: Water Supply for Fire Protection (FUS Guidelines) 

Sameng Inc.

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• 

•

Dwelling Protection Grades Minimum Requirements

Public Fire Protection Classification

Condensed Grading System 

* Some companies may consider class 4 as partially protected 

Insurance Rate Example 

Example insurance rates determined from survey of various insurance companies conducted by 

Sameng Inc. in 2009

• 

• 

• 

• 

•

Rge Rd 254 

Rge Rd 255 

Hwy 2 

Hwy 2 

Rge Rd 252 

Rge Rd 253 

Rge Rd 251 

Rge Rd 252 

Rge Rd 250 

Rge Rd 245 

Rge Rd 250 

Rge Rd 244 

Rge Rd 244 

Rge Rd 245 

Rge Rd 242 

Rge Rd 243 

Rge Rd 243 

Rge Rd 241 

Rge Rd 242 

Rge Rd 242 

Rge Rd 240 

Rge Rd 235 

Rge Rd 234 

Namao Ridge 


View Estate 

Cameron Par 

Twp Rd 553 

Carbondale 

Twp Rd 552 

Rge Rd 260 

Twp Rd 551 

Rge Rd 242 

Rge Rd 261 

Rge Rd 255 

Twp Rd 551 

Rge Rd 234A 

Namao 

Hwy 37 

Terrault 

Estates 

Rge Rd 250 

Namao Fire Hall 

Green Acres 

Richfield 

Estates 

Trestle 

Ridge 

Twp Rd 544 

Rge Rd 262 

Rge Rd 261 

Northern 

Lights 

Twp Rd 544 

Twp Rd 260 City of St Albert 

Rge Rd 260 

Twp Rd 255 City of St Albert 

Twp Rd 544 

Coal Mine Rd 

C i t y o f 

S t . A l b e r t 

Greystone 

Manor 

Rge Rd 252 

Coal Mine Rd 

Bellerose Dr 

Summerbrook 

Estates 

The Banks 

of Sturgeon 

Valley 

Poundmaker Rd 

Upper Manor 

Estates 

Sturgeon Rd 

Upper Manor 

Pointe 

Rge Rd 251 Starkey Rd 

Twp Rd 542A 

Pinnacle 

Ridge 

Bristol Oak 

Lower Manor 

Estates 

Manor 

Estates II 


Heights 

Rge Rd 251 

Upper 

Viscount 

Estates 

Riverstone 

Pointe 

Twp Rd 542 

Tuscany 

Hills 

North Point 

Rge Rd 250 127 St 

The 

Crossing 

at River's 

Edge 

Noroncal 

Allin Ridge 

Estates 

Skyglen Air 

Park 

Allin Ridge 

Pointe 

Sturgeon Rd East 

Proposed Fire Hall 

Glenview 

Acres 

Rge Rd 245 

Twp Rd 542 195 Ave 

Rge Rd 244 

Rge Rd 144 

Hwy 28 

C F B E d m o n t o n 

Twp Rd 542 

Legend 

Namao Fire Hall 

Distance From Namao Fire Hall 

0 - 2km 

2 - 4km 

4 - 6km 

6 - 8km 

8 - 10km 

Over 10km 

Proposed Firehall 

5 Mile Buffer 

Rge Rd 260 City of St Albert 

West 

Fairhaven 

Fairhaven 

Silver Chie 

Twp Rd 540A City of St Albert 

Proposed Fire Hall in 

Sturgeon Valley 

Silver Chief Dr 

Twp Rd 540 

Twp Rd 540A 

Meadowview Dr 

µ 

GIS/Public/Protective/Fire 

January 28, 2010 

0 1,050 

2,100 

Meters

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

• 

•

• 

• 

•

• 

Fire Protection Project Costs for Local 

Improvement Tax 

• 

•

• 

•

• 

• 

•

• 

• 

•

Sturgeon Valley Fire Protection Project Survey 

Frequently Asked Questions 

• When will the proposed project go ahead? 

o The proposed project is in the public consultation phase – no decision to proceed has been made. 

o Council will use the information gathered from the survey in addition to feedback received at the Open 

House to determine if and how the project should proceed and the project timing 

• When will the Sturgeon Valley Fire Protection survey close? 

o The survey will close August 2 and the tabulated results will be presented to Council sometime in August. 

• Where can I find the Sturgeon Valley Fire Protection survey? 

o The survey is located on the Sturgeon County website: www.sturgeoncounty.ab.ca (the link is located on 

the home page – it has a red fire hose as the key graphic element) 

o To complete the questionnaire, Sturgeon Valley residents need the Questionnaire Identification Number 

(4‐digit code) shown on letters that were mailed out on June 4. The number will be used to ensure that only 

one questionnaire per household is submitted. If a resident has completed a questionnaire at the Open 

House, they can still complete the on‐line questionnaire as we will be evaluating the data bases separately. 

• Where can I find more background information about the proposed project? 

o Residents can find the “Sturgeon Valley Fire Protection Study” and the Open House presentation materials 

on the Sturgeon County website. You can access these documents from the home page by clicking on 

“Sturgeon Valley Fire Protection” (again, the key graphic element is the red fire hose). 

• Why were developers not required to put in the infrastructure to meet fire protection service levels at the time 

of development? 

o Developers are not required to provide fire flows under the current County policy. The County has 

developed as a rural area and fire flows were not included as a requirement. Again, increased residential 

development within the Sturgeon Valley area has prompted the need for Sturgeon County to re‐assess the 

level of fire protection services 

• Why is this project being proposed now? 

o Over the past few years, increased residential development within the Sturgeon Valley area has prompted 

the need for Sturgeon County to re‐assess the level of fire protection services 

o In January 2009, Sturgeon County Council directed Administration to initiate the “Sturgeon Valley Fire 

Protection Study” to provide details on how to achieve a higher level of fire protection for our residents. 

• What does the proposed project include? 

o The “Sturgeon Valley Fire Protection Study” completed by Sameng Inc. in May 2009 made several 

recommendations, including: 

• Installation of an additional 124 hydrants; 

• Upgrade pumps at Allin Ridge and Summerbrook reservoirs; 

• Installation of pipe additions; and 

• Construction of a fire hall within the Sturgeon Valley. 

• What is the cost of the proposed project? 

o The direct cost for the pipeline portion of the project is estimated to be $603 per lot annually over the next 

15 years. As these enhancements do not directly benefit the entire County, the project costs would be 

levied on individual properties through a Local Improvement Tax. 

o The cost of the fire hall is not included in the $603/lot/year for 15 years. The funding for the fire hall has yet 

to be determined. 

o The cost of the suggested reservoir expansion is not included in the $603 per lot annually for 15 years. It is 

expected that any new development will cover the cost. 

• Will my insurance rates go down if the proposed project is completed? 

o The impact to an individual’s insurance rate cannot be guaranteed by Sturgeon County. We recommend 

that you contact your insurance provider to discuss the potential impact to your rates. 

o Sameng completed another study on the impact to insurance rates which suggested the potential for 30% 

savings in insurance exists if the level of fire protection improves by one level as the project proposes to do.

However, there are many factors that determine insurance rates and each brokerage has a different 

method of weighting those factors. 

• Where is the nearest fire hall to Sturgeon Valley residents? 

o Namao is currently the nearest fire hall to residents in Sturgeon Valley. 

• Why doesn’t St. Albert respond to fires in Sturgeon Valley considering the have a fire hall that is closer than the 

Namao fire hall? 

o 

St. Albert Fire Department will not respond to calls in the Valley on the behalf of the County despite their 

proximity 

• Will the proposed new fire hall be staffed with full‐time staff or volunteer firefighters? 

o 

There are no short term plans to staff the fire hall with full time staff, but it may be considered in the future 

– a new hall would continue to be staffed with volunteer firefighters

Executive Summary - Sturgeon County

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