Manhole Sealing Pilot Program Gets Underway

October 6, 2026

This week, the City is kicking off a manhole sealing pilot program to reduce the amount of stormwater entering its wastewater system. This is one of six initiatives underway to address stormwater impacts, one of the two major challenges the City is facing with its wastewater system. 

During intense storms, heavy rain, and rapid snowmelt, wastewater system flows reach 5-6 times normal volumes. These more frequent climate events, combined with ageing infrastructure and private sub pump and downspout cross connections, create enormous pressure on the City’s wastewater system.

Crews will be repairing 11 manholes, using a sealant, to prevent stormwater from getting into the wastewater system. The repairs have been prioritized in areas where leakage is worst, based on recent inspections and updated wastewater system models: the Annex, Mountview, West Fernie, Riverside, and Ghostrider.

You can expect temporary lane closures over the coming weeks while work is underway in these areas.

Read more about what the City is doing to address the current wastewater challenges on Let's Talk Fernie.