City Announces Updates to Wastewater Treatment Plant Project

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In December 2023, it was announced that the City of Kimberley would build a new wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) after confirmation of combined investment commitments of more than $90.6 million from federal, provincial, and municipal governments. Following a comprehensive review of the original proposed design, the City is announcing key updates to the project including modifications to the design, treatment process, and location of the plant. These changes are critical to help ensure the project remains within budget and meets the City’s growing needs for wastewater management.

This project is following the Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) method, which involves collaborative planning and decision-making throughout each stage. During the pre-validation stage, the team identified that the original proposed plant design and location, based on the Food Chain Reactor (FCR) process and located at 302nd Avenue, would result in an estimated $40 million budget overrun and present challenges for future plant expansion. To mitigate these issues, the City and the project team are proposing a revised design using the Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS) process, along with revising the location, keeping it near the existing facility. This updated approach will support the City’s goal of keeping the project within the original $90.6 million budget and will ensure the plant has the capacity to grow with Kimberley’s population.

Environmental stewardship also remains a top priority. The proposed location near the existing plant has been carefully selected to minimize impacts on surrounding natural habitats and will significantly reduce land disturbance compared to the original plan. The revised plant design will be engineered to mitigate odours, meet or exceed effluent quality regulations, and facilitate efficient operations. These changes not only support the City's environmental goals but also help ensure that the new plant operates safely and sustainably for its anticipated 50-60-year lifespan.

At this time, the City is in discussions with the province to secure approval for transitioning the $66.5 million in grant funding to the new design, process, and location. While the City awaits final approval, it is continuing to advance the project and is taking the necessary steps to keep it on schedule.

The City continues to engage with local First Nations communities throughout this process to address environmental, cultural, and land-related concerns. The City recognizes the importance of consulting with First Nations on the revised plans and will continue to maintain open lines of communication as the project progresses.

“The proposed treatment process is designed to comply with environmental standards, address odour concerns, and allow for future growth,” said Shane Castle, Wastewater Treatment Plant Project Manager. “The updated location, near the existing facility, will help manage costs while supporting long-term environmental safety and resilience against the impacts of climate change. We understand that these changes may raise questions and concerns, and we are dedicated to providing clear and transparent information as we move forward.”

The City will host an Open House in the New Year where the proposed plant design, process, and location will be presented to the community.  The City will continue to keep the public informed throughout the project. Visit www.kimberley.ca/wastewater-treatment to find ongoing updates, FAQs, and additional project details.