Investing in Kimberley’s Future: $90.6 Million Allocated for Wastewater Excellence

To improve environmental sustainability and community well-being, the City of Kimberley, British Columbia, is set to undergo a major overhaul of its wastewater infrastructure. With a combined investment exceeding $90.6 million from the federal, provincial, and municipal governments, this ambitious project was officially announced by Member of Parliament John Aldag, Minister Anne Kang, and Mayor Don McCormick.

The new wastewater treatment plant will replace the aging Pollution Control Centre, constructed in 1967. The decision to replace the outdated facility stems from its vulnerable location in a flood-prone area, a risk the new plant aims to mitigate effectively. Moreover, the upcoming plant is designed with stringent measures to ensure reliability and to implement odour control strategies, minimizing disruptions to nearby communities.

The goal is to provide Kimberley with a state-of-the-art wastewater treatment facility, offering high-quality service while significantly reducing potential environmental impacts on the St. Mary River and downstream communities.

Key contributors to the project include the federal government, investing $36,255,486 through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. The Government of British Columbia is contributing $30,209,884, and the City of Kimberley is investing $24,173,346. This collaborative effort seeks to improve local wastewater treatment and align with broader goals of climate change preparedness, greenhouse gas reduction, and the promotion of renewable technologies.

Speaking on behalf of the federal government, Member of Parliament John Aldag emphasized the significance of investments in green infrastructure, highlighting the dual benefits of building resilient communities and safeguarding the environment. Minister Anne Kang of British Columbia underscored the importance of preserving Kimberley’s natural beauty, protecting against potential flooding, and maintaining service reliability for residents and tourists.

Mayor Don McCormick, expressing gratitude for the substantial investment, acknowledged that replacing the wastewater treatment plant marks the largest investment in Kimberley’s history. He emphasized the project’s transformative nature, describing it as a “game-changer” that elevates the community’s essential service from one of the most at-risk to one of the most efficient and innovative in the province.

In the broader context, this project is part of the federal government’s commitment under the Investing in Canada Plan, wherein over $180 billion will be invested over 12 years in various sectors, including public transit, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and rural and northern communities.

As the City of Kimberley looks forward to a more resilient and sustainable future, this substantial investment in wastewater infrastructure sets the stage for enhanced environmental protection and improved community well-being.