Emergency repairs are under way at the Fort Frances water tower after a break in a recirculation pipe was discovered earlier this year. The repairs are expected to cost about $175,000, to be funded through the town’s water and sewer reserve.
“The water tower recirculation line has frozen and split requiring scaffolding, piping repairs, heat trace replacement and re-insulating,” according to a report to Monday’s council meeting by Operations and Facilities Manager Travis Rob.
“On or about Jan. 5, 2026, it was discovered that the water tower recirculation line had frozen and, based on icicles, potentially split approximately 40 feet up the tower within the main stem.”
The water tower uses a recirculation line to circulate warmed water up the sides of the tower to limit ice buildup within the main tank through the winter months. The recirculation line is a four-inch diameter stainless steel line, jacketed with insulation and aluminum with a heat trace line inside of it. If the line should thaw, water could be released rapidly through the compromised pipe.
“The recirculation line is not run continuously through the winter months and relies on the heat trace to keep the line from freezing during extreme cold,” the report stated.
“Upon further investigations, it was noted that the reason for the freezing situation was a failed heat trace line. This line and heat trace was installed during initial construction and there was no modification or alteration to it as part of the recent tower works.”
While the situation is unfortunate, the town was able to quickly transition from taking down the scaffolding from the outside and rebuilding it on the inside to begin repairs to the damaged section of pipe.
“A brief warming period in early January saw the pipe starting to leak again, resulting in the draining of the tower the week of January 12,” reads Rob’s report.
“Total costs for all works associated with this issue are estimated at $175,000 plus applicable taxes including scaffolding, heat trace, insulation and pipe repairs. These costs will be funded through the water and sewer reserve fund.”
Rob said it was known the line was frozen and there was hope it would thaw via the heat-trace line, which did not happen. Council unanimously approved the funding required for the emergency repairs.
