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New Wastewater Treatment Plant

The City of Kimberley is preparing to replace the aging Pollution Control Centre (PCC) with a new Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Built in 1967 and upgraded in 1979, the existing facility is nearing the end of its serviceable life. Due to ongoing operation and maintenance problems and its inability to meet current treatment standards, the City has determined that replacement is a priority for our community.

In 2017, the City received funding from the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund to design a new WWTP that will meet updated effluent regulations and be located on a smaller footprint above the floodplain. It will also eliminate odour and noise pollution. This design was complete in 2020. 

Project Timeline

City Staff are seeking funding opportunities to pay for the estimated $95 million dollar project. On October 8, 2021, the province announced a funding opportunity through the ICIP - Environmental Quality Program. Staff are currently preparing an application to be submitted on February 23th, 2022 that will support 73.33% or approximately $65 million dollars of the project with the remaining $23 million being funded through borrowing and $2 million from reserves. 

In January 2022, City staff submitted a grant for $69 million dollars. Award announcements are expected in Spring 2023.

On October 15, 2022, in conjunction with the Local General Elections, voters were asked the following referendum question: 

"Are you in favour of City Council adopting the City of Kimberley Wastewater Treatment Plant Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 2703, 2022, which authorizes the City of Kimberley to borrow up to thirty five million dollars ($35,000,000) to be repaid over a period not to exceed thirty years (30) in order to finance the costs of constructing a wastewater treatment facility and associated infrastructure?"

Voters voted in favour of the referendum question. City staff are now finalizing borrowing requirements in the event that grant funding is received. 

If all funding is approved, construction will begin no later than January 2024. The new WWTP will be operating by December 31, 2026. 

We will be providing updates on an on-going basis. Please check back soon for project updates, FAQs and more budgeting information.