North Cultus Wastewater Treatment Plant comes online

On time and on budget, after 17-months of construction, the North Cultus Wastewater Treatment Plant is operational and actively protecting the Cultus Lake watershed.

With the commitment from the Government of Canada, Province of British Columbia and the Fraser Valley Regional District (FVRD), the construction of the North Cultus Wastewater Treatment Plan was made possible through joint funding efforts in the amount of $14.6 million.

“Investing in local infrastructure like the Fraser Valley – North Cultus Wastewater Treatment Plant strengthens communities by providing reliable essential services,” said Ernie Klassin, Member of Parliament for South Surrey – White Rock, British Columbia. “The federal government is proud to support projects like this to ensure residents can count on safe and effective wastewater management.”

“People deserve to know they can rely on their communities’ critical infrastructure long-term,” said Christine Boyle, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “By investing in modern waste management we’re supporting communities while protecting our environment for future generations.”

“The FVRD is immensely thankful for the financial support,” said Patricia Ross, FVRD Board Chair. “The dedication of the project team has proven that a collaborative delivery model works exceptionally well,” she said.

“This project is essential in the protection of the Cultus Lake watershed and community vibrance,” said Taryn Dixon, Electoral Area H Director. “Collaboration and financial commitment, from all levels of government, made this project into a reality,” she said.

“The health of Cultus Lake is deeply treasured by the community and visitors alike,” said Kirk Dzaman, Cultus Lake Park Board Chair. “We all share in the responsibility to protect the sensitive environment of Cultus Lake, and this joint effort for the North Cultus Wastewater Treatment Plant displays what can be accomplished by working together,” he said.

In 2015 and 2016, the FVRD went through an extensive community engagement process and established a Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP) that was later approved in 2019 by the Minister of Environment. The LWMP identified the need for a Wastewater Treatment Plant capable of producing Class A effluent as defined under the BC Municipal Wastewater Regulation, plus additional phosphorus removal to meet the needs of the community and to protect the Cultus Lake watershed.