Work has begun to expand sewer capacity and build new green rainwater infrastructure along the Cambie Corridor in Vancouver.
The project is part of a series of infrastructure upgrades underway to support population growth along the Cambie Corridor. Work includes replacing the existing sewer along West 54th Avenue from Cambie Street to Neal Street with a separated and larger-capacity system, with one pipe for rainwater runoff and another pipe for sewage. This work will reduce the risk of localized flooding as well as the risk of increased combined sewer overflows into the Fraser River.The total project investment is $10.3 million, with the majority funded through Utilities Development Cost Levies (UDCLs) collected through new development to partially fund engineering infrastructure delivered by the City’s capital program, and developer contributions.
“Upgrading our sewer system is essential work that protects public health and allows our city to grow and adapt,” says Mayor Ken Sim. “This project directly addresses Vancouver’s infrastructure deficit; allowing for more housing to be built while making our infrastructure more resilient in the face of extreme weather events caused by climate change.” Green rainwater infrastructure (GRI) and pedestrian safety upgrades will also be incorporated into this project through the installation of four green rainwater curb bulges. GRI uses engineered soil and plants that work with the built environment to naturally capture and clean rainwater, helping to prevent pollutants carried by rainwater from entering waterways and reducing the volume of rainwater entering our pipe system.Vancouver has legacy combined sewers that carry both sewage and rainwater in the same pipe. During heavy rains, these pipes can become overwhelmed resulting in combined volumes of rainwater and sewage spilling into receiving waters like the Fraser River. The city is working to mitigate combined sewer overflows and improve aquatic water quality.
