Metro Vancouver’s CEO provided a detailed update to New Westminster City Council on Monday regarding the significant delays and escalating costs of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant project, an essential infrastructure initiative currently facing multiple crises.

Deni Loubert – Local Journalism Initiative

The presentation, led by Metro Vancouver CEO Jerry Dobrovolny, highlighted the project’s ongoing challenges, which have caused it to fall years behind schedule and millions over budget. Initially expected to be completed in 2021, the project has encountered several setbacks, including contractor disputes, design flaws, and supply chain issues.

Mayor Patrick Johnstone voiced concern over the lack of transparency regarding the project’s downward trajectory. “We need a clear understanding of what went wrong, and more importantly, how Metro Vancouver plans to get this back on track,” Johnstone said during the meeting. “Our residents deserve answers, and we need to ensure that this critical piece of infrastructure is completed without further delays.”

The North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant, designed to replace the aging Lions Gate facility, was intended to modernize wastewater management and reduce the discharge of untreated water into local waterways. However, with the project running years behind and costs now exceeding the original $700 million budget, concerns about both environmental impacts and financial mismanagement have grown.

Dobrovolny assured council members that Metro Vancouver is implementing new strategies to address the challenges, but acknowledged that the revised completion date remains uncertain. The council urged Metro Vancouver to maintain transparency and provide regular updates.

“We’re committed to keeping residents informed and ensuring their concerns are addressed,” Johnstone added.

Metro Vancouver is expected to provide another update in early 2025.