Halifax Water gets approval for infrastructure work at Windsor Street Exchange

Halifax Water will make infrastructure upgrades at the Windsor Street Exchange.

Halifax Water has received tentative approval to start infrastructure work in tandem with the Halifax Regional Municipality’s major Windsor Street Exchange project.

The Nova Scotia Regulatory and Appeals Board granted the utility approval to do the work provided they file a compliance report that outlines an updated estimation of the total costs.

Halifax Water initially said the total project costs would be $69 million, but in a follow-up latter to the board, it revised to the cost to $66 million.

“Given these project cost uncertainties and the project cost revisions submitted in IR (information request) responses, the Board has concerns about the accuracy of the current WSE (Windsor Street Exchange) Redevelopment Project cost estimate, particularly since the design is still evolving,” the board’s decision reads. “The Board understands that during construction, the condition of underground infrastructure assets may be found to differ from that assumed during the design phase.

“If this occurs, it could result in extra costs to address the ‘in situ’ asset condition. Nonetheless, the Board expects Halifax Water to minimize project costs as much as possible.”

The compliance report must be filed by Nov. 14.

The decision also noted the project could increase the annual rate for the average customer by $19 in the first year and by $30 in the second year.

Earlier this year, Halifax council approved the Windsor Street Exchange project, which will redesign the intersection of the Bedford Highway, Windsor Street and Lady Hammond Road. The work, which comes with a $150-million price tag, is expected to start in earnest in 2026 and wrap up sometime in 2028.

This weekend the MacKay Bridge will be closed as crews prepare the site for the construction of a new overpass on Highway 111.

In its application, Halifax Water argued updating its systems in the Windsor Street area makes sense now as they can collaborate with the municipality for cost and scheduling efficiency.

“The local water infrastructure work will include renewal of watermains on Forrester Street, MacKintosh Street, and within the WSE intersection,” the decision reads. “The local watermain on Lady Hammond Road will also be renewed, as it is nearing the end of its service life. It is anticipated that a portion of this watermain may also need to be relocated to facilitate the installation of the proposed NEF (North End Feeder).

“The extent of the relocation and related removals will be determined as the project design work proceeds. A new pressure reducing valve (PRV) chamber will also be constructed.”

Halifax Water said the work for the NEF portion of the project would take an estimated 87 weeks to complete.

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