Overview of Projects
Metro Vancouver is building the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant, a new treatment facility that will provide tertiary treatment to better protect the environment.
The program includes:
- The North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant Project
See below for project updates
- The pump station and sewer pipes to serve the new plant (the Conveyance Project)
Learn more about the Conveyance Project
- Decommissioning the existing Lions Gate Wastewater Treatment Plant
This work will begin in the mid-2020s. When complete, the land will be returned to Squamish Nation.
About the Treatment Plant
The North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant is a new tertiary treatment facility being built to replace the existing primary level Lions Gate Wastewater Treatment Plant on the North Shore. Tertiary treatment exceeds federal regulatory requirements for treatment technology and will ensure the treated wastewater released into the marine environment is much cleaner.
The new treatment plant is being built to serve 250,000 residents and businesses in the Districts of West and North Vancouver, the City of North Vancouver, and the Squamish and Tsleil‑Waututh Nations and will:
- Improve the quality of the treated wastewater released into the Burrard Inlet
- Feature a modern, enclosed design and robust odour control system to prevent odour from reaching neighbouring residents and businesses
- Recover heat for use by the Lonsdale Energy Corporation as an alternative energy source
- Be constructed to Leadership in Energy and Environmental Design (LEED) Gold and ENVISION Gold certification standards
- Include a public plaza, education and community meeting spaces
Location: West 1st Street, between Pemberton Avenue and Philip Avenue, District of North Vancouver
March 2023 Project Status Update
In spring 2022, PCL became the new construction manager for the project and took over the treatment plant site. AECOM took over the role of design consultant for the project around the same time.
Metro Vancouver is working collaboratively with PCL and AECOM to develop a plan to complete the project as quickly as possible, while considering the best interests of the region.
We are currently working to identify and correct numerous design and construction errors and deficiencies from the previous contractor, who was responsible for both designing and building the new treatment plant. These design and construction issues must be addressed to develop an accurate project schedule and cost estimate so construction can move forward. We expect to present an updated cost estimate and schedule to Metro Vancouver’s Board of Directors for consideration in mid-2023.
Updates will be provided as new information becomes available. We look forward to the successful completion of a tertiary treatment plant that meets and exceeds safety and regulatory requirements.
Current Activity at the Treatment Plant Site
PCL will continue early works construction at the treatment plant site through mid-2023.
What to expect on and near the site over the coming month:
- Crews installing rebar and pouring concrete
- Crews repairing concrete deficiencies on existing structures
- Construction noise from power tools and equipment
- Cranes moving materials and equipment
- Excavators working inside the site fence line
- Vehicles delivering materials to the site via West 1st Street, between Pemberton Avenue and Philip Avenue
- Crews conducting minor road maintenance as needed on West 1st Street
