Port Clements faces a significant bill after the first comprehensive inspection of the municipal fire hydrant network in decades revealed widespread issues, including 13 hydrants that should be fully replaced and several others that require repairs or conversion kits to remain serviceable.
The inspection, carried out by Cutting Edge Projects in September, assessed all 42 hydrants located within village limits. Most units are believed to date back to the original pipe installation during the 1970s and 1980s. Hydrants of that age are now at or beyond the typical 50-year useful lifespan noted in fire protection standards.
While many hydrants remain functional, the inspection identified seized caps, drainage failures, corrosion, missing hardware and isolation valves buried under sediment. The most serious concern is a single hydrant that currently has no water supply. Thirteen hydrants built under the older McCavity M-67 model were described as “irreparable” and recommended for full replacement rather than repair.
The first contractor quote received by the village totals $122,900 for replacements and repairs. Staff are seeking ways to reduce the figure but acknowledged that the price tag will have a direct impact on the capital maintenance budget.
Hydrant servicing and testing is required under both the BC Fire Code and National Fire Protection Association standards. The village has now labelled and numbered each hydrant, and minor repairs were completed during the inspection. A decision on next steps has not yet been finalized.
A timeline for hydrant replacement work will be considered once council reviews financial options along with project sequencing and available staffing.
