Tens of millions of dollars could be spent in Caroline over the next decade to shore up failing infrastructure and build new.

A litany of road improvement projects, underground utility repairs, and a possible new public works shop are all part of the proposed Infrastructure and Capital Projects plan for the hamlet.

The plan outlines a number of priorities including:

Water main and sanitary upgrades (49 St. 51 Ave and the south limit)

A summer assessment found the south sanitary segment is operating at or above 50 per cent capacity during dry weather — a significant concern. Previously, two water main breaks were reported along the line by the former village between 2009 and 2024.

The estimated cost to upgrade is $2.67 million.

The county has secured a $950,000 provincial grant for the project.

Water and sanitary main (50 St. between 50 Ave and 51 Ave)

Identified as the highest structural priority for the sanitary mains. The pipe segment exhibits significant deficiencies and found to be operating at up to 40 per cent of its capacity under dry weather conditions due to structural sag.

Estimated cost to upgrade 170 meters is $953,700.

A Capital Investment Plan (CIP) commissioned by the former village recommended full replacement of the water distribution system as the majority of the system
is believed to consist of Asbestos Cement (AC) pipe.

Road work (52 St and 52 St Crescent)

Inspections revealed numerous sags, abrupt grade changes and curved alignment.

The estimated cost to improve 510 meters is $1.8 million.

New Public Works Building

Estimates show to outfit the multi-bay building completely (building estimate, contingency, furniture and equipment) is $9.1 million.

In addition to the building cost, site grading, gravelling, paving, and fencing has an estimated cost of $1.2 million.

The total estimated cost is $10.3 million.

Northeast Highway Commercial Development Plan

The plan revisits a 2015 proposal from the former village which outlines a highway commercial development north of Hwy 54.

County administration developed a conceptual design including 10 commercial lots for the northeast end of the hamlet.

 

In all, the total list of projects over 10 years is estimated at over $34.8 million.

For budgeting purposes, administration listed the top five projects in order of priority:

1. Deep Utility and Surface Works Infrastructure Upgrades
2. Wastewater Treatment Facility Upgrades
3. Caroline Public Services Building
4. Northeast Water/Wastewater Servicing Plan
5. Northeast Highway Commercial Development Plan

You can see a full list of projects here.

Even with the long list of projects, Erik Hansen, director of public works for Clearwater County says it’s just scratching the surface.

“We haven’t talked about walking trails, recreation, the replacement strategy for the arena, the seniors housing complex,” he says. “[This is] just getting ready for the 2026 budget.”

Erik Hansen, director of public works for Clearwater County speaking to the long list of proposed projects for Caroline

Hansen predicts that in 2026, the county will be able to get a much clearer picture of the full cost of amalgamation.

The document provides a timeline for projects for the next 10 years, helping future councils in budget considerations.

The county predicts, one construction year could be all that’s required to complete sanitary, water, storm, concrete and bottom lift of asphalt work in the community.