The McLoughlin Point Wastewater Treatment Plant is receiving more than $23 million through the Green Municipal Fund (GMF). The GMF is funded by the Government of Canada and delivered to municipalities by the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM).
“The state-of-the-art McLoughlin Point Wastewater Treatment system in the Capital Regional District is a great example of what can be achieved when communities and governments come together to support a more sustainable future,” said Catherine McKenna, minister of infrastructure and communities.
“By investing $23 million in this model of green infrastructure innovation, the Government of Canada is helping to protect Vancouver Island’s precious environment, save money, and improve the lives of more than 320,000 people living in the area,” added McKenna.
The McLoughlin Point Wastewater Treatment Plant will provide one of the highest levels of wastewater treatment through a three-stage process. It is supported by upgrades to collection and conveyance systems as well as a new Residuals Treatment Facility.
“The Capital Regional District thanks the Federation of Canadian Municipalities for [its] impactful contribution towards the wastewater treatment project,” said Colin Plant, board chair of the Capital Regional District. “The Wastewater Treatment Project will provide tertiary treatment for wastewater from the core area municipalities of Victoria, Esquimalt, Saanich, Oak Bay, View Royal, Langford and Colwood, and the Esquimalt and Songhees Nations.”
“By providing a $20M loan and a $3M grant through the Green Municipal Fund, the Federation of Canadian Municipalities is making an important investment in the coastal environment,” added Plant.
The three-stage treatment process includes the physical separation of solids from wastewater, followed by a biological process using micro-organisms to breakdown organic compounds. This occurs before the wastewater passes through a fabric disc filter, further reducing contaminants like pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and personal care products.
“Modern wastewater systems are not only good for the environment, they also make people’s lives healthier,” said Garth Frizzell, president of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM). “This is what today’s announcement is all about—the federal and municipal governments working together to build better lives for Canadians.”
The untreated wastewater from seven municipalities was previously released into the Strait of Juan de Fuca. The wastewater will now go through this rigorous process to reduce pollution in the waterway. The treated wastewater will exceed both provincial and federal standards for wastewater treatment.
