The North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant (NSWWTP) is a new facility currently under construction designed to serve over 300,000 residents and businesses on the North Shore. It will replace the existing Lions Gate Wastewater Treatment Plant to comply with new federal regulations that require a higher level of treatment.
The new design was first announced by Metro Vancouver in 2011 with an estimated cost of $700 million, Since then a number of factors have resulted in a revised cost of $3.86 billion. The debt amortization term for Metro Vancouver utility projects is normally 15 years. In view of the massive cost overruns and in an efforts to minimize the financial impact to North Shore residents, the amortization will take place over 30 years.
ADRA is a member of the North Shore Neighbourhoods Alliance, working with other North Shore residents associations to request the appointment of the Inspector of Municipalities to investigate the massive overrruns of this project and to provide a much-deserved explanation to North Shore residents as to why this has happened. Is it too much to ask for transparency and accountability?
ADRA has requested information from Mayor and Council to learn what options will be considered when assessing WV residents a portion of the cost. One of the proposals would see a deferment option, similar to the deferment of property tax. Mayor and Council will be considering the options this fall.