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.