News
Over the past several years, the North Okanagan Wastewater Recovery Project has faced escalating construction costs. Wildfires and flooding, supply chain disruptions and inflation have impacted the cost of materials, labour and fuel.
Like many construction projects across British Columbia and Canada -- big and small -- the North Okanagan Wastewater Recovery Project has also been impacted by escalating construction costs.
The October 2021 Update introduced the IPD model. The interdisciplinary team comprised of engineers, biologists, project managers, communications and governance specialists, the contractor (Bird-Dawson Joint Venture) and the owner group (the RDNO, Township of Spallumcheen and Okanagan Indian Band), is now over half-way through the intensive IPD Validation Phase
The NOWRP project continues to move forward, despite the challenges presented in the last year. With the COVID-19 impacts on the supply chain, and wildfires that threatened many areas around the Okanagan, crews are still working hard behind the scenes.
The preliminary design of the collection system and wastewater recovery facility is complete. Over the next few months, further archaeological and environmental studies will be held, and the project design will be updated to reflect changes recommended by a Value Engineering process.
Welcome to the first of many updates from the North Okanagan Wastewater Recovery Project Team. Over the next four years, North Okanagan residents and businesses in the Swan Lake area will be transitioning from a septic to a community water system that will have many positive environmental, economic and agricultural impacts for the area.
North Okanagan Wastewater Recovery Project moving ahead
Long-awaited sewer and water reclamation system will protect Swan Lake and give local farmers a reliable source of irrigation water during drought
SPALLUMCHEEN, B.C. – The Township of Spallumcheen and the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) are excited to announce that the North Okanagan Wastewater Recovery Project (NOWRP), a sewer and water reclamation system is now under construction within the Township of Spallumcheen.
The NOWRP is a partnership between the RDNO, the Township of Spallumcheen, and the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB) that was launched in 2015 to bring community sewer service to the Swan Lake area and reduce the impact of aging septic systems on the lake.
Construction was able to start in July after the project received its Municipal Wastewater Regulation permit from the Province of British Columbia, confirming the treatment process meets provincial environmental standards for reclaimed water use under the Environmental Management Act.
Centerfire Contracting Ltd. has been awarded the contract for the Township of Spallumcheen’s portion of the work, which includes wastewater collection lines, lift stations, and the treatment and storage ponds on L&A Cross Road. Site clearing, dust control and silt fencing are already in place to limit impacts on surrounding farmland, and environmental and archaeological monitoring staff will be on site throughout construction. The RDNO’s portion of the project will be tendered separately later this year.
Site grading and pipework will continue through 2026, with construction of the reclaimed water storage ponds planned for 2027. Commissioning is expected in fall 2027, and the system is anticipated to be fully operating by early 2028.
Full Press Release Available here: 2026-08-20-NOWRP-Construction
North Okanagan Water Recovery Project (NOWRP): Temporary Road Closure on L&A Cross Rd – July 22, 2026
As part of the construction of the NOWRP works for the Township of Spallumcheen, a one day road closure is required on L&A Cross Rd to facilitate construction.
It is anticipated that L & A Cross Rd will be closed on July 22nd 2026 from 8:00 am to approximately 2:00 pm or until work is completed.
We appreciate your understanding and patience. If you have any questions or concerns, please contact Jay Hedden, Project Manager, Centerfire Contracting, 236-970-4735 or NOWRP@spallumcheentwp.bc.ca.