A new water treatment facility will provide safe drinking water to 50,000 residents in Comox Valley.
“This is an exciting day for everyone in the Comox Valley who can now be confident that the Comox Valley Water Service is providing fresh, clean, reliable water to users—and will be able to do so for many decades to come,” said Wendy Morin, chair of the Comox Valley Water Committee. “Despite the many challenges during construction in a global pandemic, this critical milestone has been achieved on time, and on budget.”
“The K’ómoks First Nation is proud to be here today with the [Comox Valley Regional District] to celebrate the completion of the water treatment facility,” added Chief Nicole Rempel. “Clean drinking water is something we all take for granted, as many First Nations across Canada are struggling to have access to it in their communities, with as many as 100 boil water advisories in place at any given time.”
“K’ómoks First Nation, and in fact all Valley residents, are fortunate to have this access,” noted Chief Rempel. “I applaud the Regional District for their commitment to providing clean, safe drinking water here in K’ómoks territory. The fact that all Valley residents can look forward to no more boil water notices is indeed something to celebrate.”
The new treatment plant meets provincial health standards and uses filtration, UV disinfection, and chlorination to remove the risks of viruses and bacteria in our drinking water. This technology eliminates the need for turbidity-related boil water notices and will provide a secure supply of reliable, high quality drinking water now and into the future.
“Comox Valley residents and the CVRD have a lot to be proud of with this sophisticated treatment plant,” said Charmaine Enns, medical health officer for Comox Valley, Strathcona, North Island. “This is a significant step and investment in protecting individual and population health.”
Members of the project team and guests held a celebratory event attended by Chief Nicole Rempel of the K’ómoks First Nation, MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard, BC Hydro, Island Health, Courtenay and District Fish and Game Protective Association, and other community group partners. Due to COVID-19 public health measures the event was by invitation only.
“This is an exciting day for people in the Comox Valley and a great achievement for everyone involved,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, member of the legislative assembly for Courtenay-Comox. “The new treatment plant will help protect the health of our community and ensure a consistent supply of a critical resource. I have lived in the Comox Valley for over 25 years and am happy to say people on this beautiful part of Vancouver Island will now have a water system they can depend on, and one that will serve them for generations to come.”
The $126-million system was constructed by AECON Water Infrastructure. It includes a new water intake in Comox Lake, lakeshore pump station, transmission lines, and treatment plant. More information about the project is available here.
