SEWER PLANNING FLOWS AHEAD

In 2018, the CVRD started work on a Liquid Waste Management Plan for the Comox Valley Sewer System to ensure our system will continue to operate safely and grow with our community. This process is used by local governments in BC to develop strategies for managing sewer services. It includes the collection/review of existing information, development of options for future services, identification of a preferred option, completion of required studies and assessments and development of financial and implementation plans. The plan involves public consultation at all steps in the process and is ultimately submitted to the provincial government for review and consideration for approval. To see how input has been collected and used throughout this process, please click the Public Engagement drop-down menu below.

Thank you to everyone who participated in this process, including the many members of the general public who participated in workshops, open houses, online surveys, and online information sessions. In particular, thank you to the members of the public and technical advisory committee (TACPAC) for their ongoing commitment over the three-year process.

The project team has submitted the draft plan to the province for review and approval as the second phase of this three step process. The review will take approximately one year. Based on feedback from the province, the plan will be revised, shared with the community and then submitted back to the province for final approval, which is likely to occur in Spring 2024.

For more background on the LWMP - including the process and the outcome - visit www.comoxvalleyrd.ca/lwmp

Sewer Conveyance Project Next Steps

The LWMP identified a preferred conveyance route for new/upgraded sewer pipes and pump stations, which was approved by the Comox Valley Sewage Commission in February 2021. Borrowing was approved through an Alternative Approval Process in July 2021 and this critical work is now moving forward as a separate project due to its urgent nature.This new system will route sewer pipes further inland where they will no longer be vulnerable to damage by waves, rocks and logs. The construction of this new line will start in 2023 and will protect the beaches and waters throughout the Comox Estuary, Point Holmes, Goose Spit coastline, as well as Baynes Sound. Stay up to date by following the project page.