Latest news with #AssetManagementPlan
Hamilton Spectator
4 days ago
- Business
- Hamilton Spectator
Port Colborne has $1.87B in assets. Here's its plan to manage them
With more than $1.8 billion in infrastructure to manage, Port Colborne is sharpening its approach to long-term planning. At its May 27 council meeting, the city formally adopted its updated 2025 Asset Management Plan. The plan helps to break down the condition, replacement needs and strategic direction for everything from roads and sewers to IT systems and public buildings. The plan, presented by Jen Gross, senior project manager and asset management practice lead for GEI Consultants, builds on previous versions by setting service targets and incorporating more detailed condition assessments for infrastructure. 'The focus of this plan has been an update to the 2024 plan to now include targets for that level of service,' she said. While last year's version captured the state of the city's core and non-core assets, this year's update goes a step further by proposing targets for performance and delivery of those same assets. The plan covers nine categories of assets: core systems like water, wastewater, stormwater and roads, and non-core assets such as parks, fleet, facilities, IT, natural assets and the city library. Together, they're valued at $1.87 billion. Transportation infrastructure makes up the largest portion of that total, followed by stormwater, water and wastewater systems, according to data presented by Gross. A major update this year stems from gathered condition data. Over the past 12 to 18 months, the city has completed video inspections of each storm pipe in its network and continued relining work on its sanitary system. That investment in data collection is already paying off. 'Relining a pipe (means) making it in very good condition,' said Gross. 'That has been reflected in this year's numbers.' She added having accurate condition data, not just relying on age, helped to reclassify several assets from poor or unknown condition status to good or very good condition. The long-term plan outlines a 20-year forecast that includes both anticipated spending and current gaps. A visual breakdown in the plan shows the proportion of assets in 'very poor' condition in 2024 versus projections for 2045. 'If we follow this plan, you will see the impact to the overall condition of your assets,' Gross explained. The goal is to reduce the number of assets in failing condition while maintaining those in good standing. To do that, the city would have to spend more in the short term. Gross confirmed the 2025 budget reflects an increased investment in capital renewal, including funds to tackle issues in the stormwater and water systems. 'In 2025, there's a big portion of that budget going toward your renewal and replacement backlog, things that should have already been done,' she said. Several councillors asked whether past performance could be added in future reports to better track progress year over year. 'It'd be nice to be able to see how those have changed over the years,' said Ward 2 Coun. Eric Beauregard. 'For example, Port Colborne has had a lot of issues with wastewater and water.' Gross reassured him that future annual updates would include those metrics. 'That will allow you to see how you're improving over time,' she said. Ward 3 Coun. Gary Bruno emphasized the importance of real-time updates and asked whether the city could continuously track asset work as it happens. 'Isn't the plan just a living document?' he asked. Supervisor of asset management for the city Alex Rotundo confirmed the city's internal processes are adapting. 'This report might be a snapshot of a moment in time, but the activity of asset management is something that is continually going on,' he said. 'It's something we intend to keep current as time progresses.' The plan also flags gaps in IT infrastructure. Coun. Bruno raised concerns that these types of deficits, though smaller in dollar value, can carry major operational risks. 'It's not an area where you want to be attacked on,' he said. 'How does one delve into that?' CAO Brian Boles said direction from council, formal or informal, would help to prioritize areas like IT within future budgets. 'A very poor standing in IT is not something we want to see,' he said. 'We can work with the (city) clerk to make sure we have that disseminated and keep moving forward.' Boles, speaking remotely, said new investments in core IT systems such as GIS, HR, tax and billing platforms would help shift those ratings into better standing in future years. 'You'll see some of this legacy stuff disappear,' he said. 'You're going to start to see this become a much better, greener pasture.' Ward 1 Coun. Mark Bagu welcomed that update, noting it gives Port Colborne a competitive edge. 'This report would give our municipality a great kick up, it shows we are improving our asset management plan,' he said. 'I think we're doing a better job than a lot of municipalities in Niagara.' Council approved the motion directing staff to continue tracking annual performance and infrastructure condition as part of its ongoing update cycle. 'We want to make sure that you know this information is continually being updated,' said Gross. 'We're still trying to find new ways and different strategies to bring down what those needs are so that they are more affordable for the community.' Mayor Bill Steele said the plan will play a role in shaping annual budget decisions. 'It gives us a good path,' he said. 'We want each department to come forward with what the asset management plan tells them, and then it's up to us to make those tough decisions.' With councils endorsement, Port Colborne has until 2026 to begin annual progress reporting, though staff made it clear the work of asset management will remain year-round. Error! Sorry, there was an error processing your request. There was a problem with the recaptcha. Please try again. You may unsubscribe at any time. By signing up, you agree to our terms of use and privacy policy . This site is protected by reCAPTCHA and the Google privacy policy and terms of service apply. Want more of the latest from us? Sign up for more at our newsletter page .
Scoop
06-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Camberley Substation's Boosted Capacity Helps Power Local Growth
Press Release – Unison The substation upgrade is one of four planned for Hawkes Bay under Unisons 10-year Asset Management Plan. Following Cyclone Gabrielle, Unisons Awatoto, Tutira and Esk substations are also lined up for upgrades to improve resilience. Unison Networks is proud to announce the successful completion of the Camberley Substation rebuild in Hastings, marking a major milestone in powering Hawke's Bay's growing energy needs. The state-of-the-art facility has been fully upgraded to enhance resilience, significantly increase capacity, and support a sustainable energy future for communities across the region. The newly rebuilt Camberley Substation now boasts nearly four times its original capacity, enabling it to supply electricity to approximately 3,000 residential and commercial customers. This enhanced capacity ensures that Camberley can meet the increasing energy demands driven by ongoing regional development, including critical infrastructure projects such as the Hawke's Bay Hospital upgrades, the Frimley water storage and treatment plant, and electric vehicle fast-charging stations. The substation upgrade is one of four planned for Hawke's Bay under Unison's 10-year Asset Management Plan. Following Cyclone Gabrielle, Unison's Awatoto, Tutira and Esk substations are also lined up for upgrades to improve resilience. The goal is to ensure Unison's electricity network continues to meet the communities' current and future needs, providing a more resilient and secure supply that supports growth and electrification in the region. Inspired by Unison's award-winning Windsor Substation, the Camberley rebuild incorporates innovative sustainability elements like advanced cross-laminated timber construction and gas-insulated switchgear that uses dry air insulation and vacuum interruption supplied by RPS Switchgear — a significant step in reducing the environmental impact of substation switchrooms by eliminating the use of potent greenhouse gases. Unison's General Manager Networks & Operations, Gaganpreet Chadha, expressed pride in the project, stating, 'We're proud to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions with the Camberley project, and its completion takes us one step further to delivering on our vision to enable a sustainable energy future. 'The success of Unison's award-winning Windsor Switchroom set a strong benchmark, and it's great to follow that up by applying what we learned to the Camberley project. This upgraded facility strengthens our network to better serve Hawke's Bay, not just for today but for generations to come.' The Camberley rebuild reflects Unison's dedication to not only meeting current energy needs but also enabling the transition to a zero-carbon future. By supporting decarbonisation efforts — such as enabling households to adopt sustainable energy systems and electric vehicles — the substation plays a vital role in fostering environmental progress across the region. Mr Chadha commented, 'We are continuously optimising our designs for security and sustainability and making improvements as we upgrade substations across our network. Camberley exemplifies our commitment to a building smarter, stronger, and more resilient electricity network that supports secure supply alongside decarbonisation efforts.' Unison Networks is proud to celebrate this milestone and looks forward to continuing to power progress for Hawke's Bay and beyond. Unison also invites your feedback on its 10-year Asset Management Plan. Take a moment to share your thoughts on plans to power Hawke's Bay's future at and you'll go into the draw to win a $100 Prezzy Card.
Scoop
05-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Camberley Substation's Boosted Capacity Helps Power Local Growth
Unison - Latest News [Page 1] The substation upgrade is one of four planned for Hawke's Bay under Unison's 10-year Asset Management Plan. Following Cyclone Gabrielle, Unison's Awatoto, Tutira and Esk substations are also lined up for upgrades to improve resilience. More >> Unison's Safe Sparks Goes Digital: Bringing Electricity Safety Education To Schools In A New And Interactive Way Wednesday, 7 February 2024, 9:47 am | Unison Electricity distributor, Unison Networks (Unison) is launching a digital safety education programme to increase awareness of safety around electricity within its communities through a new animated and interactive online programme for schools. ... More >> Tuatahi First Fibre To Acquire Unison Fibre Offering Customers Greater Choice Wednesday, 25 October 2023, 3:35 pm | Unison Tuatahi First Fibre to deliver greater choice and hyper-fast speed to internet users in Hawke's Bay, Taupo, and Rotorua through the purchase of Unison Fibre. Tuatahi First Fibre, the leading central North Island fibre network provider, will expand ... More >> Unison Asks Connected Hawke's Bay Customers To Conserve Power As It Continues Restoration Efforts Thursday, 16 February 2023, 3:07 pm | Unison Unison is asking reconnected customers in Hawke's Bay to conserve power use as it continues restoration efforts. This is due to limited power supply coming into the region from Transpower's damaged Redclyffe substation. Unison has now restored ... More >> Concerted Restoration Progress Sees Most Customers Connected Sunday, 16 April 2017, 6:12 pm | Unison Sunday 16 April 2017, 6pm – Unison crews have restored power to 99 percent of customers who lost electricity following Cyclone Cook. More >> Restoration Progress Sees More Customers Connected Saturday, 15 April 2017, 6:57 pm | Unison Saturday 15 April 2017, 4.55pm – Unison crews have restored power to over 14,000 of the 15,000 customers who lost electricity following Cyclone Cook. More >> Crews Still Making Good Progress Saturday, 15 April 2017, 1:11 pm | Unison Saturday 15 April 2017, 12.27pm – Unison crews have restored power to around 600 customers so far today and expects to restore most customers by 6pm tonight. More >> Unison Crews Out Working to Restore Power Saturday, 15 April 2017, 12:59 pm | Unison Saturday 15 April 2017, 8.57am – Unison crews have been deployed this morning and are making steady progress towards restoring approximately 2,000 customers without power as a result of Cyclone Cook. More >> Unison Delighted Government Backs EV Highway Thursday, 19 January 2017, 1:53 pm | Unison Thursday 19 January, 2017 – Unison Group Chief Executive, Ken Sutherland, said the company is thrilled its project to create an EV highway between Taupo and Napier has been conditionally approved for funding from the Low Emission Vehicles Contestable ... More >> Unison Wins National Line Mechanic Competition Tuesday, 25 October 2016, 1:37 pm | Unison Tuesday 25 October 2016 - Unison's Line Mechanics have been judged the best in the country yet again, with the Hawke's Bay team winning the national title for the second year in a row at the Connexis Line Mechanic Competition. More >> Police and UnisonFibre Initiative Monday, 10 October 2016, 10:29 am | Unison Monday 10 October 2016 - Six Maraenui primary schools will take to the basketball court this Friday, as part of an ongoing initiative supported by UnisonFibre and local Police. More >> Rotorua's First EV Fast Charger Kept Busy by EV Drivers Monday, 3 October 2016, 1:57 pm | Unison The rEVolution is Here: Rotorua's First EV Fast Charger Kept Busy by EV Drivers More >> Customers Reconnected to Network Supply Wednesday, 31 August 2016, 2:48 pm | Unison Unison Networks today advised a large number of customers who had been relying on generated power had now been reconnected to usual network supply, following the worst storm-related damage the lines company had seen in over a decade. More >> Power Restored for Nearly All Rural Hawke's Bay Sunday, 14 August 2016, 10:36 pm | Unison Power Restored for Nearly All Rural Hawke's Bay Customers in Time for the Weekend More >> Rural Hawke's Bay - most will have power restored today Thursday, 11 August 2016, 2:11 pm | Unison Unison Networks has advised restoring power to customers in rural parts of Hawke's Bay was making good progress, with most expected to be restored to the distribution network by this evening. More >> Taupo Plains – Unison Bringing in Generators Wednesday, 10 August 2016, 11:13 am | Unison Unison Networks today advised it is bringing in generators to help those customers who potentially face no power from the network for a couple of weeks, while Unison repairs the network. More >> Taupo Plains - Power could be out for few weeks Wednesday, 10 August 2016, 8:12 am | Unison Unison Networks' has advised that some customers in the Taupo Plains could be without power for a few weeks, and therefore the Company was looking at alternative solutions. More >> Power Restored for Some Rural Hawkes Bay Customers Tuesday, 9 August 2016, 10:52 am | Unison Power has been restored to about 70 customers in parts of Rural Hawke's Bay, Unison Networks has this morning advised. More >>
Scoop
05-06-2025
- Business
- Scoop
Camberley Substation's Boosted Capacity Helps Power Local Growth
Unison Networks is proud to announce the successful completion of the Camberley Substation rebuild in Hastings, marking a major milestone in powering Hawke's Bay's growing energy needs. The state-of-the-art facility has been fully upgraded to enhance resilience, significantly increase capacity, and support a sustainable energy future for communities across the region. The newly rebuilt Camberley Substation now boasts nearly four times its original capacity, enabling it to supply electricity to approximately 3,000 residential and commercial customers. This enhanced capacity ensures that Camberley can meet the increasing energy demands driven by ongoing regional development, including critical infrastructure projects such as the Hawke's Bay Hospital upgrades, the Frimley water storage and treatment plant, and electric vehicle fast-charging stations. The substation upgrade is one of four planned for Hawke's Bay under Unison's 10-year Asset Management Plan. Following Cyclone Gabrielle, Unison's Awatoto, Tutira and Esk substations are also lined up for upgrades to improve resilience. The goal is to ensure Unison's electricity network continues to meet the communities' current and future needs, providing a more resilient and secure supply that supports growth and electrification in the region. Inspired by Unison's award-winning Windsor Substation, the Camberley rebuild incorporates innovative sustainability elements like advanced cross-laminated timber construction and gas-insulated switchgear that uses dry air insulation and vacuum interruption supplied by RPS Switchgear — a significant step in reducing the environmental impact of substation switchrooms by eliminating the use of potent greenhouse gases. Unison's General Manager Networks & Operations, Gaganpreet Chadha, expressed pride in the project, stating, 'We're proud to be at the forefront of cutting-edge technology and innovative solutions with the Camberley project, and its completion takes us one step further to delivering on our vision to enable a sustainable energy future. 'The success of Unison's award-winning Windsor Switchroom set a strong benchmark, and it's great to follow that up by applying what we learned to the Camberley project. This upgraded facility strengthens our network to better serve Hawke's Bay, not just for today but for generations to come.' The Camberley rebuild reflects Unison's dedication to not only meeting current energy needs but also enabling the transition to a zero-carbon future. By supporting decarbonisation efforts — such as enabling households to adopt sustainable energy systems and electric vehicles — the substation plays a vital role in fostering environmental progress across the region. Mr Chadha commented, 'We are continuously optimising our designs for security and sustainability and making improvements as we upgrade substations across our network. Camberley exemplifies our commitment to a building smarter, stronger, and more resilient electricity network that supports secure supply alongside decarbonisation efforts.' Unison Networks is proud to celebrate this milestone and looks forward to continuing to power progress for Hawke's Bay and beyond. Find out more about the Camberley Substation on Unison's website at Unison also invites your feedback on its 10-year Asset Management Plan. Take a moment to share your thoughts on plans to power Hawke's Bay's future at and you'll go into the draw to win a $100 Prezzy Card.
