NOTICE TO PARENTS AND RESIDENTS

The District of Invermere is undertaking the replacement of municipal sanitary sewer collection and water distribution pipes located under 13th Avenue during the summer of 2021. This is the first of three phases of infrastructure replacement along 13th Avenue.  MarWest Industries Ltd (Castlegar) has been contracted to do Phase 1 of the work.  While the project is progressing well, it will not be completed before public schools reopen in Invermere on September 7, 2021.

School District #6 (Rocky Mountain), District of Invermere, and MarWest Industries Ltd (MarWest) have prepared a plan that supports the movement of School Buses along 13^th Avenue in the morning and afternoon so that students can be transported to and from Eileen Madson Primary School, J.A. Laird Elementary School, and David Thompson Secondary School.  However, to avoid disrupting construction and possibly creating safety concerns, Private Vehicles will not be allowed access to 13^th Avenue between 15^th Street and 20^th Street (Gierlich Road) except when allowed by MarWest.  Private Vehicles will have to use 15^th Avenue instead of 13^th Avenue while MarWest completes the installation of sewer and water pipes.  In addition, a temporary access road between 14^th Avenue to 17^th Street for the use of 17^th Street residents, will be blocked by the District to prevent access to 13^th Avenue during construction.

Fortunately, the interruptions to the regular movement of School Buses and Private Vehicles along 13^th Avenue will be temporary.  MarWest expects to complete the pipe installation in September, and then repave the road in October.

Recommendations for Parents and Residents during 13^th Avenue reconstruction:

• Expect some traffic delays along 15^th Avenue and nearby streets, especially before and at the end of school days, and allow extra travel time.
• At all times, yield to school buses to help support the drop off and pick up of children.
• If possible, walk instead of drive to your destination (e.g., school, work, shopping).
• To help keep children and young adults safe direct them to avoid all construction areas along 13^th
• Avoid travel on 13^th Avenue until construction is completed.

If you have any questions or concerns, please contact:

Brian Nickurak, Windermere Operations
School District #6 (Rocky Mountain)
Telephone: 250-342-6814
Email: Brian.Nickurak@sd6.bc.ca

Jake Jacobsen, Public Works Foreman
District of Invermere
Telephone: 250-342-9281
Email: info@invermere.net

Karen Shipka
Superintendent
School District #6 (Rocky Mountain)

Andrew Young, MCIP, RPP
Chief Administrative Officer (CAO)
District of Invermere

Map showing different Pedestrian Routes to Eileen Madson Primary School during 13th Avenue reconstruction: