The Capital Regional District (CRD), the regional government for 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands, works collaboratively to build a vibrant, livable and sustainable region for the 413,000 people in the area.
Wastewater Treatment Project
A major focus for the CRD is the $775 comprehensive sewage treatment plan for the region, the Wastewater Treatment Project.
With construction beginning in 2017 and slated for completion by the end of 2020, The Wastewater Treatment Project will provide tertiary treatment for wastewater from the core area municipalities of Victoria, Esquimalt, Saanich, Oak Bay, View Royal, Langford and Colwood, and the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.
Once all project components are completed, CRD residents and businesses will have a modern wastewater treatment solution that is environmentally sensitive to the surrounding marine ecosystem, and will serve their needs well into the future.
“The Government of Canada recognizes that we need a solid partnership with all orders of government to support the infrastructure that will prepare us for the future and create the good, well-paying jobs to help the middle class grow and prosper today,” says the Honourable Amarjeet Sohi, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities. “Investing in this Capital Regional District wastewater treatment solution is an investment in our environment and, in the longer term, the jobs and livelihoods of those working in British Columbia’s aquaculture industries.”
The Project consists of three main components:
McLoughlin Point Wastewater Treatment Plant Located at McLoughlin Point in Esquimalt, the treatment plant will provide tertiary treatment to the core area’s wastewater.
Residuals Treatment Facility
Residual solids from the wastewater treatment plant will be piped to a Residuals Treatment Facility at Hartland Landfill, where they will be turned into what are known as Class A biosolids. These biosolids are a high-quality byproduct treated such that it is safe for further use.
Conveyance System
The conveyance system refers to the ‘pumps and pipes’ of the Wastewater Treatment Project. This system will carry wastewater from across the core area to the treatment plant, and residual solids to the Residuals Treatment Facility at Hartland Landfill.
Record Investments for B. C.
The Government of Canada is contributing up to $120 million through the Building Canada Fund –Major Infrastructure Component towards the McLoughlin Point Wastewater Treatment Plant; up to $50 million through the Green Infrastructure Fund towards the conveyance system project; and up to $41 million towards the Residuals Treatment Facility through the P3 Canada Fund.
The Government of British Columbia will provide up to $248 million towards the three components of the project. The Capital Regional District is providing $316 million for the three project components and will be responsible for any additional costs.
“The Government of B.C. is making record investments in modern, safe infrastructure projects across the province, such as this Wastewater Treatment Project,” says the Honourable Peter Fassbender, Minister of Community, Sport and Cultural Development.
“This is a great example of a successful partnership between all levels of government. Together we are providing for a project that will enhance the local amenities and improve the health and safety for the growing, vibrant communities while also creating approximately 7,000 direct and indirect jobs that will benefit families throughout the CRD. This investment is possible because of our strong fiscal plan and through it, we are building a brighter future for B.C.”
www.crd.bc.ca
