Independent review of North Shore wastewater treatment plant approved

The North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant in North Vancouver in 2025. Photo by NICK PROCAYLO /PNG

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Metro Vancouver says an independent review of the North Shore wastewater treatment plant will finally go ahead after mounting public frustration as cost ballooned to $3.86 billion — nearly five times the initial estimate.

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The review, to be conducted by a team led by Rob Andrews of EXP Engineering, was approved Friday by board of the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District, an agency of Metro Vancouver.

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“Our team’s deep expertise in evaluating complex infrastructure projects makes us well-equipped to conduct a thorough, balanced and independent review of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant project,” said Andrews in a statement released by Metro staff. “We look forward to sharing the results of a rigorous and impartial review, with recommendations for future projects.”

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The team includes experts in major projects, cost estimation and risk analysis.

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The regional district says the review will look into the plant’s budget, key factors contributing to cost increases, and whether those increases could have been prevented.

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The team will assess whether Metro’s governance and oversight structure are adequate for major projects, and will make recommendations to mitigate cost and schedule risk through completion of the project and for future Metro projects, the district added.

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Earlier this year, North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan and District of North Vancouver Mayor Mike Little asked B.C. Premier David Eby for a public inquiry into cost overruns at the plant. A decade ago, the mayors were told it would cost $700 million.

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Metro and its original contractor, Spanish multinational Acciona group, settled competing lawsuits last month over Metro’s cancellation of the Acciona contract in 2022 as costs began soaring. The regional district said Acciona had agreed to pay $235 million as part of the settlement. Metro said the settlement will go back into the project.

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Acciona had filed a lawsuit demanding $250 million for the cancellation, while Metro countersued, asking for $500 million.

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The plan for an independent review started in June 2024 but was stopped until the lawsuits were settled.

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PCL Constructors West Coast Inc. was brought in to finish the massive project, which is expected to be complete in 2030.

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The treatment plant is to replace the Lions Gate facility that provides only primary-level wastewater treatment. It’s being built between Philip and Pemberton avenues in North Vancouver.

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With files from David Carrigg and Joseph Ruttle

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