The governments of Canada and British Columbia have finalized an agreement under the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund (CHIF), securing CAD 250 million (USD 173 million) in federal funding over five years for the first phase of the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade. This funding matches the Province’s CAD 250 million commitment made in 2023, reinforcing efforts to modernize critical infrastructure, support housing growth, and enhance environmental resilience in Metro Vancouver.
Transforming a 1963-Era Facility into a State-of-the-Art Plant
The Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, originally built in 1963, is set to undergo a comprehensive upgrade to meet modern wastewater treatment standards. The project aims to:
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Serve a growing regional population, projected to reach 950,000 by 2051.
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Incorporate tertiary treatment technology to improve water quality discharged into the Salish Sea.
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Support ecological restoration at Iona Beach Regional Park.
Hon. Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Energy and Natural Resources, emphasized:
“Building resilient communities starts with investing in strong infrastructure that delivers essential services to support growing populations.”
Linking Infrastructure Investment with Housing Development
This funding is aligned with efforts to accelerate housing construction by reducing upfront costs for builders through:
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Adjustments to the timing of development cost charge (DCC) payments.
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Extended in-stream protection for projects affected by Metro Vancouver’s DCCs.
These measures are designed to lower costs and streamline approvals, making it easier to build affordable housing across the province.
Wilson Miao, MP for Richmond Centre, noted:
“As communities across Metro Vancouver grow, critical infrastructure such as wastewater treatment ensures neighborhoods remain livable, enhances quality of life, and supports sustainable growth.”
A $9.9 Billion Vision for Sustainability and Resilience
The Iona upgrade is part of a larger CAD 9.9 billion initiative, incorporating:
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Ecological restoration and resource recovery efforts.
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Biogas recovery for energy and reclaimed water use.
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Seismic resilience and sea-level rise adaptation.
These elements align with Metro Vancouver’s carbon neutrality goals and long-term sustainability strategies.
Parm Bains, MP for Steveston–Richmond East, highlighted:
“With 40% of the region’s wastewater treated by this plant, upgrades are essential for a growing population, improved water quality, and long-term environmental sustainability.”
Project Timeline and Future Developments
The early works and preliminary design phases are already underway. Construction activities are expected to ramp up in the coming years, with CHIF funding playing a key role in supporting:
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Critical infrastructure development.
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Environmental protection initiatives.
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Affordable housing expansion across Metro Vancouver.
This investment marks a milestone in sustainable urban development, ensuring livable communities, resilient infrastructure, and a cleaner environment for future generations.