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Project update – April 2023​

In April, construction within the Maple Ridge community will re-convene beginning Phase 2 of the project which will include drilling new power cables between the new transformers to the existing ones and removing the old ones. As well as making final connections and energization.​

​For more information on Phase 2 of this project view the project notice​​. ​

Project overview

EPCOR is responsible for building, maintaining and upgrading the electrical distribution system in Edmonton. The electrical infrastructure in your neighbourhood is reaching its end of life and needs to be replaced. We are making these improvements in order to increase the reliability of power to your community.​

Starting in August 2022, EPCOR will upgrade and replace the electrical infrastructure in the Maple Ridge community. This work includes:

  • replacing the underground power cables​
  • installing new power transformers and switching cubicles
  • removing the old power transformers​
Map


Schedule

Work is scheduled to begin in mid-August 2022 and will be completed in phases. As the work progresses, EPCOR will provide regular updates of the work schedule and impacted locations. This entire project is scheduled to be completed in Spring 2024. Typical working hours will be Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. to 6 p.m. However, occasional evenings and weekends may be required.

Phase 1 - Mid-​August 2022 to Spring 2023​​​

The first phase of this project includes installation of the new primary underground power cables, power transformers and a switching cubicle. The new power cables will be installed using a directional drill, however open cut trench excavation may be required in some locations. The new power transformers will be relocated to the front of the properties, which will improve access for maintenance and repairs. Temporary road and sidewalk closures will be needed for this work. Signs will be placed in advance to notify residents on upcoming construction activities and road/ sidewalk closures. We will continue to provide construction updates as the project progresses.

Phase 2 - Spring 2023 to Spring 2024​​

The second phase of the project involves removing the existing transformers and installing new secondary underground power cables to connect the new transformers installed as part of Phase​ 1. Many of the existing power transformers are located within private property. We will need access to some properties to remove this equipment and replace the existing power cables. The concrete bases will remain in place, as they are required to provide access to the existing underground power cables. Some fences may need to be temporarily removed to allow access prior to the start of the work. We will notify you in advance if fence removal is required for your property and the impacted fence will be restored to its original condition when the work is complete.​​​

What to expect during construction
  • EPCOR vehicles, barricades, and construction equipment such as an excavator with concrete breaker, gravel trucks, concrete trucks, directional drills, hydrovac trucks, delivery trucks and contractor vehicles will be o​n the construction site.
  • Residents will experience noise typical to construction as various equipment and trucks will be used for material delivery, breaking concrete, and surface restoration. We will comply with the City of Edmonton’s Community Standards Bylaw for Noise Control. If it is ever necessary to temporarily exceed acceptable noise levels, we will work with the City of Edmonton and Parkbridge management to obtain the necessary permits and provide notice to resident.
  • EPCOR contractors will require access to some resident’s properties during Phase 2, and those residents will receive advance notice and more details about the work on their property closer to the scheduled time in spring 2023.​
  • Affected landscaping, roads and sidewalks within the work area will be restored to their original condition once work is completed and when weather permits.

Power outages​

Power Outages will be required to connect your new service during Stage 2. EPCOR will attempt to keep these outages as efficient as possible and will notify impacted residents in advance to allow for any preparations residents may need to make.

Safety​​

All active construction areas will be fenced and/or marked as a restricted area. EPCOR and its contractors take every precaution to ensure public safety. We also need your help. Please maintain a safe distance from the construction site and the equipment.

We thank you for your patience and understanding as we undertake this necessary work.

Definitions:​​​

Directio​nal Drill

Directional drilling will be used to install some of the new underground power cables. Holes will be drilled and the power cables are then pulled through. This method is used to minimize the ground disturbances in the area.

Open Cut Trench Excavation

Open cut trench excavation is a method of construction that involves digging a trench into the ground, installing the new cables, then backfilling the area to its original condition. Open cut trench excavation will be used in some areas where directional drilling is not possible.

Power Transformer

A transformer is the grey or green box currently located in some yards. Transformers change the high voltage power into low voltage power for use in your home or business. One transformer serves many homes in the area.

Switching Cubicle

​Switching cubicles look like transformers. They help route power from neighbourhood to neighbourhood and help protect the entire power system using switches that turn off if there is a fault (which occurs when there is damage to a power cable). Switching cubicles are usually the first place our crews go to restore power during an outage. A cubicle allows us to bypass electricity to the area where we are working, making it safe to restore power.​​​​​​​​​​