A critical overhaul of North Vancouver’s wastewater infrastructure is now underway as Metro Vancouver pushes forward with the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant Program. Designed to replace the aging Lions Gate facility, this state-of-the-art project promises to improve wastewater treatment for more than 300,000 residents, while bringing modern environmental standards and public amenities to the community.
Though originally budgeted at $700 million in 2013, the project has since ballooned to an estimated $3.86 billion—fueling debate, drawing scrutiny, and placing it under the microscope of a newly launched independent performance audit. Here's a look at what’s being built, why it matters, and how it could reshape the future of North Vancouver’s waterfront and infrastructure.
Replacing an Outdated System: Why This Project Matters
The Lions Gate Wastewater Treatment Plant, tucked along the Burrard Inlet shoreline, has served the North Shore for 60 years—long beyond its prime. It currently offers only primary treatment, making it one of the last of its kind along the west coast of North America. As environmental standards evolve and population growth pressures the system, Metro Vancouver is stepping in to future-proof local infrastructure.
The new North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant, located in the District of North Vancouver, will provide tertiary treatment—filtering out more contaminants before discharging treated water back into the inlet. It’s also being built to withstand seismic events and rising sea levels, ensuring long-term operational resilience.
A Compact, Community-Friendly Facility
The facility will adopt a vertically stacked, space-efficient design—a necessary innovation in a region where industrial land is scarce and expensive. Odour control, enclosed architecture, and public-facing features like a plaza and community meeting spaces are all baked into the design. In addition to boosting capacity, the new plant will aim for LEED Gold and ENVISION Gold certifications, reinforcing Metro Vancouver’s commitment to sustainability.
The adjacent Conveyance Project—already completed—adds roughly 3 km of new sewer pipes and includes the award-winning First Narrows Pump Station. Located under the Lions Gate Bridge, the station not only boosts wastewater transfer efficiency from West Vancouver but also integrates local art into its design, blending infrastructure with public realm enhancements.
Behind Schedule and Over Budget
Construction began in 2017, but the project faced major turbulence when Metro Vancouver terminated its contract with original builder Acciona in early 2022, citing significant deficiencies. Since then, the region has worked to reset the project with new leadership, hiring PCL as construction manager and AECOM to oversee design.
Project spending reached $831 million by March 2025—just over one-fifth of the newly approved $3.86 billion budget. Full completion is now expected in 2030, with decommissioning of the Lions Gate facility to follow thereafter. The Lions Gate site, leased from the Province, is expected to be returned and transferred to the Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), in alignment with reconciliation objectives.
Cost Impacts for North Shore Residents
The rising price tag has direct implications for local households. Residents in the North Shore Sewerage Area—West Vancouver, District of North Vancouver, and City of North Vancouver—can expect average annual costs of approximately $590, phased in over five years. Other areas of Metro Vancouver will share a smaller portion of the financial burden, with costs ranging from $80 to $150 depending on location.
Municipalities determine how these costs are passed on to residents, whether through utility rates, property taxes, or a combination of both.
Building Through Challenges: Construction and Sustainability
On-site, activity is ramping up with construction crews pouring concrete, assembling formwork, installing steel structures, and prepping critical systems like the Influent Pump Station and digesters. Equipment procurement and re-negotiation with priority vendors remain ongoing, while coordination continues with utilities such as BC Hydro, Fortis, and TELUS.
Sustainability is a key driver: Metro Vancouver is managing wildlife impacts, reclaiming water, and ensuring environmental compliance with updated stormwater discharge protocols following a significant rain event in late 2024.
Public Oversight and Accountability
Public scrutiny intensified with the soaring costs, prompting Metro Vancouver to initiate an independent audit in 2024. The MWGK Independent Review Team, led by Peter Milburn, is now reviewing the entire program—from contractor selection and project governance to budgeting and scheduling.
Community outreach remains active, with newsletters, construction notifications, council updates, and liaison support ensuring residents stay informed. Metro Vancouver emphasizes that community input—especially from First Nations—has shaped the plant’s design and function from the beginning.
A Long Road Ahead
While progress continues steadily, the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant Program still has several years of construction, commissioning, and community adaptation ahead. It represents not just an engineering challenge, but a test of governance, regional cooperation, and long-term sustainability planning.
Curious how this transformation could reshape North Vancouver’s future? We’re tracking projects like this so our clients always stay one step ahead. Want to be one of them?
Comments:
Post Your Comment: