Crews worked on this sewer issue in downtown Melfort for several days. (Cam Lee/northeastNOW Staff)

By Cam Lee

Sewer issues

Unexpected dig undertaken in downtown Melfort

Aug 25, 2025 | 2:42 PM

A blocked sewer connection was to blame for an unforeseen dig on MacLeod Ave W. in downtown Melfort.

The Public Works department was called by a business on Main St. about a blocked sewer connection, and that was just the start of a multi-day repair.

“Further investigation determined that the sewer connection for the building led to the main on MacLeod Ave W.,” Director of Public Works Kalyna Cipywnyk explained. “The crew was unable to clear the blockage through flushing through the manholes, which indicated that the main pipe was compromised, and we initiated a dig to repair the main.”

The site of the dig was an issue, according to Cipywnyk, as there were multiple underground phone and natural gas lines in the area. The overhead power lines at the site were also a challenge.

Due to those additional obstacles, “the excavation required additional time, equipment, and manpower,” explained CIpywnyk.

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Crews worked to repair the sewer through Friday and Saturday. Additionally, they were forced to fix a simultaneous leaking curb stop that was noticed as the dig progressed.

Fortunately, repairs to the road were completed on Monday. Cipywnyk said the City’s goal is to have the road re-opened to traffic by Tuesday evening, barring unforeseen circumstances.

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cam.lee@pattisonmedia.com