Canada and British Columbia invest to upgrade wastewater treatment infrastructure in communities across British Columbia
New Westminster, British Columbia, June 2, 2023 — Today, the Honourable Harjit S. Sajjan, Minister of International Development and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, and the Honourable Anne Kang, B.C. Minister of Municipal Affairs, announced a joint investment of more than $48.6 million to support multiple wastewater projects in British Columbia.
In New Westminster, this investment will support the separation of combined sewers and related infrastructure upgrades to increase the City’s capacity to manage wastewater and treat or manage storm water. Project works will include the installation of 24 rain gardens, 8.4 kilometres of storm sewers, three permanent flow monitoring stations, as well as any necessary associated works and rehabilitation of roads impacted by the project. The combined sewer separation works will help improve the quality of storm water that enters the Fraser River.
In Tofino, this investment will enable the City to begin the second phase of the construction of a modern wastewater treatment facility. The facility will meet provincial and federal regulatory standards that require sewage treatment to meet a secondary standard and will improve and protect the local marine environment.
This investment will also support wastewater projects in five other communities, including improvements to increase capacity to manage wastewater in Kamloops, Central Saanich, and Tahsis; the replacement of a lagoon liner in McBride; and the rehabilitation of 400 metres of sewer main and other upgrades to improve the wastewater system in Golden. These projects will protect local communities, ecosystems, and marine life.
This is one part of our work to build robust, healthy communities that are resilient in the face of climate change. In addition to taking bold climate action, our government has launched Canada’s first National Adaptation Strategy. Backed by $1.6 billion in new federal funding, the Strategy focuses on building resilient public infrastructure, like roads and bridges that can withstand flooding, as well as other key actions to build sustainable communities and a strong economy.
By investing in infrastructure, the Government of Canada is growing our country’s economy, building resilient communities, and improving the lives of Canadians.