Metro Vancouver votes to adopt new approach for Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant

The existing Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant will undergo phased upgrades to rehabilitate the existing primary treatment plant and complete a secondary wastewater plant.

The Board of Metro Vancouver has voted to adopt a new approach for upgrading the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant in Richmond.

The board says this new approach will mitigate annual cost impacts for ratepayers and protect the environment and public health.

“Over the past year, Metro Vancouver has carefully examined options to deliver secondary wastewater treatment as quickly as possible, while ensuring cost sustainability for our region,” said Metro Vancouver Board Chair Mike Hurley in a statement.

“In the past year, we’ve selected a technology that has given us an opportunity to rescope the Iona project to something we can deliver for $6 billion, a reduction of almost $4 billion compared to the previous project over the same time period.

“This is a great opportunity for us to keep annual rates as low as possible for residents, while still ensuring we’re protecting human and environmental health.”

However, according to the Ministry of Housing and Municipal Affairs, any changes to the scope of work funded under the Provincial or federal Phase 1 agreements would require formal approval to ensure the revised plan continues to meet program outcomes and criteria.

“Metro Vancouver has a responsibility to deliver this project in a way that meets both environmental standards and the needs of residents,” Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs, said in a statement.

“We will continue to work with them to ensure public dollars are used responsibly and services are delivered efficiently.”