The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) has officially broken ground on the highly anticipated $76 million upgrade to the Columbia Pollution Control Centre in Trail, British Columbia, Canada. This transformative project will modernize the wastewater treatment facility, originally built in the 1970s, upgrading it to secondary treatment standards to better serve the communities of Trail, Rossland, Warfield, Rivervale, and Oasis, according to a RDKB press release.
The need for modernization has been clear for years, with the current facility struggling to meet evolving environmental regulations. The upgrade is essential not only to protect the Columbia River ecosystem but also to ensure the long-term sustainability of wastewater management in the area. “This project is vital for maintaining the environmental integrity of our region and ensuring that we are good stewards of our natural resources,” said Andy Morel, Chair of the RDKB Board.
The existing Columbia Pollution Control Centre provides primary wastewater treatment with disinfection and sends treated effluent to the Columbia River, but it does not meet regulations. The upgrade will meet provincial and federal regulations to protect the Columbia River and increase capacity of the plant by over 50%. The new facility will use waste effluent heat for building heating, reducing natural gas use and lowering heating costs. Additionally, treated wastewater will be reclaimed for non-potable uses at the plant, cutting potable water consumption by up to 200,000 litres per day.
The $76 million project is being funded through a collaborative effort between federal, provincial, and local governments. The Government of Canada is contributing $25.2 million, while the Province of British Columbia is providing $20.8 million, through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program's Green Infrastructure Environmental Quality Stream. The remaining $30 million will be covered by a long-term RDKB loan.
Federal Minister Harjit Sajjan emphasized the importance of the project, stating, “By investing in the Columbia Pollution Control Centre, our government will ensure communities have the ability to provide clean and reliable water in the region.”
“This project will modernize wastewater treatment to meet today’s environmental standards, ensuring clean water and a more sustainable future for people in the Kootenay region,” stated Ravi Kahlon, BC’s Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs
Construction is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, promising a more sustainable future for the Kootenay region while ensuring the long-term health of the Columbia River.
