WC TOP50 - Report - Page 3
TOP 50 WATER PROJECTS 2023
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THINK BIG!
WASTEWATER
WELCOME TO Water Canada’s Top 50 Water
Projects. We’re shining a spotlight on some
of the biggest and most innovative water
projects in Canada that aim to improve the
delivery of drinking water, the treatment
of wastewater, and the management of
stormwater.
Water Canada’s Top 50 Water Projects
showcases some of the most significant
and impressive initiatives that are tackling
Canada’s diverse water challenges head-on.
From large-scale infrastructure programs
to cutting-edge technological solutions,
these projects are transforming the way we
manage our water resources and ensuring
that Canadians not only have access to safe,
reliable, and sustainable water supplies, but
are future-proofing water for generations
to come.
Large-scale water projects must balance
progress with protection while taking into
consideration current needs and future
challenges like population growth, climate
change, and aging infrastructure. This can’t
be accomplished in a vacuum–instead,
collaborations and partnerships are key
to success. By working together, multiple
stakeholders including governments,
utilities, community groups, and industry
partners can bring a diverse range of
expertise and resources to the table,
resulting in more effective and innovative
solutions that contribute to the sustainability
and resilience of both our water resources
and our communities.
We hope that Water Canada’s Top 50
Water Projects provides a glimpse into the
important work being done to manage and
protect Canada’s water. We are grateful to
the many individuals and organizations who
are driving these initiatives forward and we
look forward to seeing the positive impact
they will have on our communities and
environment. •
Jen Smith is
the editor of
Water Canada.
jen@actualmedia.ca
WAT E R C A N A D A . N E T
Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant Projects
$9.9 billion
AN INNOVATIVE project that could significantly
improve life for communities in Vancouver, the
UBC Endowment Lands, and parts of Burnaby
and Richmond while keeping the environment
in mind is the ambitious goal Metro Vancouver
is tackling with the upgrade of the Iona Island
Wastewater Treatment Plant.
As the existing plant approaches the end of its
service life, this once-in-a-lifetime opportunity
aims to significantly enhance the health and
well-being of residents while restoring the
ecological health and biodiversity of the Fraser
River Estuary and the Salish Sea.
The upgrade boasts state-of-the-art
features, including tertiary-level treatment,
compliance with the latest seismic standards,
and provisions for future sea level rise. The
new facility will also implement cutting-edge
technologies for resource and energy recovery,
greenhouse gas reductions, odour reduction,
and energy efficiency, demonstrating
its commitment to water sustainability,
2022 Rank: 8
Location: Richmond, B.C.
Owner: Metro Vancouver
Program Management Consultant: Stantec
Engineer: AECOM, Jacobs
Architect: Space2Place, Local Practice
Other Key Players: Musqueam Indian Band,
WSP (geotechnical services, permitting); EY
(financial advisor to the authority)
Funding: Public
Substantial Completion: 2035
Phase 1 Early and Enabling Works: 2026
Phase 2 Treatment Plant and Related Works:
2026+
infrastructure resiliency, and water protection.
Metro Vancouver is dedicated to ensuring
that the new facility has a positive impact
on the community. To achieve this goal, they
are collaborating closely with stakeholders,
the Musqueam Indian Band and 14 local
First Nations. Furthermore, the project
encompasses 20 ecological initiatives designed
to enhance freshwater wetland habitats for
birds and wildlife, creating a harmonious
coexistence between nature and urban
infrastructure. •
WATER C AN ADA’S TOP 50 WATER PRO JEC T S
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