The North Okanagan Wastewater Recovery partnership, which will bring a community sewer system to North Okanagan residents, broke ground on the future wastewater treatment plant site at 10:00 a.m. on October 18th, 2022 at 85 L&A Cross Road in the Township of Spallumcheen. The groundbreaking ceremony featured key partners from the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), Township of Spallumcheen and Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) and celebrated the shift in focus from planning to construction.
The project will provide homes and businesses with a safe and sustainable wastewater treatment facility and sewer system that will protect Swan Lake water quality, provide reclaimed water for agriculture, enhance recreational opportunities and support economic development.
The $36.9 million project is made possible by $24.3 million in grant funding from the Government of Canada and Province of British Columbia through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program. It is the result of a unique partnership launched in 2015 by the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), Township of Spallumcheen and Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB).
The long-term servicing plan will provide sewer to residents and businesses in portions of RDNO Electoral Areas B and C, the Township of Spallumcheen’s southeast industrial area and the ability to service parts of OKIB. Construction is anticipated to start early 2023 as final regulatory approvals are sought.
For more information, visit the project website at www.northokanaganwastewater.ca
Quotes from the North Okanagan Wastewater Recovery Project Partnership Members
“This project will help the Regional District of North Okanagan, Township of Spallumcheen and Okanagan Indian Band remain strong and vibrant, while contributing to cleaner waterways and a healthier environment. We’re committed to supporting the type of infrastructure development that protects the land and water, creating local economic opportunities and advancing meaningful and lasting reconciliation.”
– The Honourable Nathan Cullen, Minister of Municipal Affairs
“We are excited to take this step forward for our community and for the North Okanagan. Once this project is built and operational it will provide many development opportunities in our region. The highly treated reclaimed wastewater will also provide much needed irrigation water to our farms throughout the growing season. This is a huge step forward!”
– Mayor Christine Fraser, Township of Spallumcheen
“The North Okanagan Wastewater Recovery Project will help create a future we envision for Okanagan Indian Band and our partners – one that balances economic development opportunities with the environmental protection of our lakes, streams and tributaries. We are grateful for the advancement of this project and look forward to its completion.”
– Chief Byron Louis, Okanagan Indian Band
“This step towards construction sees the realization of a multi-year planning project thanks to the dedicated leadership of the project partners and support from our community. It shows how much we can achieve by working together toward a common vision: to protect water quality, support agriculture and enhance economic opportunities within the area.
– Electoral Area B Director, Bob Fleming, Regional District of North Okanagan
“It’s an exceptional collaboration between a Regional District, First Nation Community and a municipality which focuses on the needs of the whole area. We are delighted to see shovels in the ground as we create a future that has a strong foundation and a positive impact for so many within the North Okanagan.
– Electoral Area C Director, Amanda Shatzko, Regional District of North Okanagan