NARRATIVES OF SASKATOON

1882-1912

Genealogy, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, Pioneer,Saskatchewan history, Temperance Colony, Temperance Colonization Society, Pioneers,John N. Lake, John Lake, Saskatoon history, Saskatoon Gen Web, Genealogy, Saskatoon, Saskatchewan, Canada, Pioneer,Saskatchewan history, Temperance Colony, Temperance Colonization Society, Saskatoon history, Saskatoon Gen Web

report recommending a system of mechanical filtration as designed by the Roberts Filter Company, of Philadelphia. In calling for tenders for a filtration plant, a proposition was submitted by an English firm for a sys- tern of filtration by pressure. This system did not appeal to me as suitable for the very turbid water we have to contend with at certain seasons of the year, and I opposed it very strongly. Eventually the Council accepted the Roberts system, and it has proved a most unqualified success. The water now is pure and sparkling. By using a small quantity of alum as a coagulant we obtain practically sterile water. The condition of the power plant was inadequate for the demand for light and power. The power house which had been erected in 1906 looking forward to supply a population of fifteen thousand people, was too small to admit of any more machinery being installed. The question before us was either an extension of the present building or an entirely new build- ing on another site. The disadvantage of the old site was lack of trackage for bringing in fuel. When this site was selected by the Council of 1906, part of the scheme as outlined by Mr. Chipman was an aerial tramway from the other side of the river, to connect with the railway, but this tram- way had not been installed. The Commissioners recommended that a new site be purchased and a building erected capable of providing for future needd as well as present demand. We could foresee a largely increased de- mand owing to the expansion of the City. In selecting the site, we had to keep in view the necessity of easy access by railroad track, central loca- tion for distribution of electricity, as well as keeping in view the possi- bility of some day using the exhaust steam for heating purposes. It was also advisable to get sufficient area to allow of extending the building, as well as space for storage of coal against a possible shortage through strikes, or inclemency of winter causing a tie-up on the railways. We selected a site on Spadina Crescent on the river bank, between Avenues A and B, and recommended the same to the Council for approval. We had taken the precaution to obtain options on the property through outside parties be- fore making our report, so as to prevent any proprietor holding us up in price. This proved to be a wise step, as one of the owners was particularly wroth at the Commissioners as he declared we had defrauded him out of a large sum by keeping back the information that it was the City purchasing the property. The Commissioners, along with the architect, designed a building to hold machinery and boilers capable of generating four thousand horsepower with sufficient land to double the building. One mistake, however, was made, namely, in installing a reciprocating engine of seven hundred and fifty kilowatts. We ought to have purchased a turbine as this class of engine is much more economical in operation. There was no error made regarding boiler equipment. Babcock and Wilcox boilers were purchased with automatic chain grates, overhead bunkers and coal elevating machin- ery, economisers and every known device for economical generation of steam. Whilst this plant was being manufactured we had a strenuous time supplying the increasing demand for electricity. The old plant was working continuously on an overload of fifty per cent of its capacity. Many an anxious night I spent fearing a breakdown in the plant. We did have a stoppage in the summer. Some tubes in one of the old boilers col- lapsed and severely injured two men with the scalding water. This was a very serious matter, as it affected our water pumping machinery as well. In forty-eight hours the steam was on again, much to my relief. It was decided to use the old power house entirely as a pumping station for our water supply, and to utilize electric power instead of steam, retaining the steam pumps as a reserve in case of a breakdown of the electric plant. In general public improvements the years 1911-12 witnessed the great- est development of any city in the West, miles of concrete sidewalk, street paving (asphalt and bitulithic), water mains and sewers, an intercepting sewer to a sewerage disposal plant, fire halls. fire fighting equipment, hos- pital accommodation, were constructed and purchased. The erection of business blocks, warehouses and residences went on apace; several million Page 81

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