The City of Kimberley is advancing a major infrastructure initiative to upgrade its aging Pollution Control Centre (PCC) into a modern, resilient, and environmentally responsible Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP).

This project will ensure compliance with B.C.’s Municipal Wastewater Regulation, improve effluent quality, and support the city’s growing population and long-term sustainability goals.

After extensive planning and review, several key changes to the original WWTP design have been finalized and approved by city council.

The new facility will feature Aerobic Granular Sludge (AGS) technology, selected for its compact footprint, cold-weather performance, and operational efficiency. The project is being delivered through an Integrated Project Delivery (IPD) model, which brings together the city, designers, and builders in a collaborative framework focused on cost certainty, shared accountability, and innovation.

Primarily due to inflationary cost pressures, the original WWTP design had escalated from a budget of $90.6 million to an estimated $130 million. Since the last public update in December 2024, and in response to challenges identified at that time, the city and project team have redesigned the plant to accommodate more residents, allow for long-term population growth, and reduce costs by approximately $40 million, bringing the project within the original budget, inclusive of inflationary impacts.

The new Wastewater Treatment Plant will be built on the site of the existing PCC, helping to reduce environmental and archaeological impacts while allowing room for future expansion. The upgraded facility represents a major step forward in protecting local waterways, with significantly improved effluent quality that will help safeguard the St. Mary River and downstream water users.

Additional design features — such as odour and noise control systems, energy-efficient lighting, and low-emission construction practices — reflect the city’s commitment to environmental responsibility and community well-being.

The city continues to work closely with Indigenous partners—including ʔaq̓am, the Ktunaxa Nation Council, and the Shuswap Band—to ensure the project aligns with community values and cultural stewardship. A Heritage Inspection Permit will be in place to manage archaeological sensitivity.

Site preparation could begin as early as October, with construction scheduled to begin in 2026. The project is expected to be complete in the fall of 2028.

A Public Open House will be held on October 15, where you can review important project information and speak directly with our project team.

More information on the Open House will be available soon.

To learn more and stay updated, visit www.kimberley.ca/wastewater-treatment or head to www.EngageKimberley.ca to review project information, previously asked questions, and submit your own.

e-KNOW file photos

City of Kimberley

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