Concrete or Steel: the question may mean millions of dollars to Peel taxpayers
Steel pipe producers could also profit

BramptonGuardian.com
Oct. 30, 2017
Roger Belgrave

There is a political push to make steel a considered alternative to concrete when constructing the region’s vital water main system — a move worth millions of dollars to taxpayers and pipeline suppliers.

The decision by Peel regional council members might save taxpayers millions of dollars, while giving steel pipe producers in Canada and the U.S. access to the multimillion dollar municipal contracts a few concrete pressure pipe manufacturers currently have a stranglehold on in Peel.

Over the next three years, steel pipe could be considered for use in the Burnhamthorpe Water Project and East Brampton water mains projects. Combined, $580 million has been budgeted for those projects.

Mississauga Mayor Bonnie Crombie asked that the region request both manufacturers of steel and concrete pressure pipe for proposals when constructing large diameter water mains in the future.

Crombie said steel pipe would provide the region with a cheaper alternative to concrete pressure pipe and further open up competition for contracts.

Works department staff supported the request, which triggered extensive political debate at a recent council meeting.

Some councillors are quite satisfied with the performance and reliability of concrete pipes, which make up most of the pipeline system moving Peel’s water between reservoirs and pumping stations.

Peel currently has about 182 kilometres of large diameter water main pipeline forming “the backbone” of the region’s water transmission network.

There is political concern steel pipes are more prone to catastrophic failure and pipe shipped from the United States would leave a much larger carbon footprint than concrete pipes produced in Canada.

Manufacturers from both the U.S. and Canada assured council steel pipes are widely used in other municipalities, including Toronto, and have been proven reliable and durable.

Works staff noted Peel is already using steel in sections of two feedermains and in fittings throughout the water system.

There was also worry industry stakeholders were lobbying some members of council for change, but company representatives at the meeting said they have had no contact with council members.

Council has asked staff for more details about the reliability and environmental impact of using steel pipes.