Canada and FCM support first three-stage wastewater treatment plant in the Capital Regional District

Victoria: Canadians have learned the importance of forward planning, and collective action in this extraordinary pandemic year. COVID-19 will one day pass, but climate change will persist. Investing in innovative solutions to reduce pollution and improve energy efficiency is key to creating cleaner, healthier communities, and sustainable economic growth.

Today, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Garth Frizzell, President of the Federation of Canadian Municipalities, announced more than $23 million for the McLoughlin Point Wastewater Treatment Plant through the Green Municipal Fund (GMF). The GMF is funded by the Government of Canada and delivered to municipalities by FCM.

This treatment plant will provide one of the highest levels of wastewater treatment through a three stage process, and is supported by upgrades to collection and conveyance systems, and the new Residuals Treatment Facility.

The three-stage treatment process includes the physical separation of solids from wastewater, followed by a biological process using micro-organisms to breakdown organic compounds, before the wastewater passes through a fabric disc filter, further reducing contaminants like pharmaceuticals, microplastics, and personal care products.

The untreated wastewater from seven municipalities that was previously released into the Strait of Juan de Fuca will now go through this rigorous process to reduce pollution in the waterway, and exceed both provincial and federal standards for wastewater treatment.

The Wastewater Treatment Plant includes a green roof, and will recover wastewater’s thermal energy to heat buildings at McLoughlin Point. Other sustainable design features include LED lighting and a dryer at the Residuals Treatment Facility fueled by biogas created by the digestion process.