Oak Bay— Stormwater and wastewater infrastructure in Oak Bay will undergo significant upgrades thanks to a combined investment of more than $8.8 million from the federal and provincial governments along with the District of Oak Bay. Announced by Minister Sean Fraser, Minister Anne Kang, and Mayor Kevin Murdoch, this project will transform the sewer system in Oak Bay.
Funding will improve both stormwater and wastewater management by separating the existing combined sewer system in the Uplands neighbourhood of the district. During heavy rainfall, combined systems are susceptible to overflow, causing effluent to be discharged into local bodies of water. While most contaminants are filtered out before the untreated water is reintroduced into the environment, overflows can still have a negative impact. Constructing new storm sewers and outfalls will allow the current system to be used exclusively as a wastewater sewer, helping to safeguard the community from flooding and the environment from possible adverse effects.
Investing in local stormwater and wastewater systems is key to improving people’s quality of life, protecting waterways, and positioning communities for growth.
By continuing to work closely with its partners across Canada, the federal government is ensuring that Canadians have access to reliable, modern services that build a sustainable future for all, while limiting impacts on the local environment.
“As a long-time champion of green technology, I recognize the importance of investing in systems that reduce our impact on the environment that we inhabit. Separating Oak Bay’s combined sewer system is key to better stormwater and wastewater management, that in turn safeguards local infrastructure, waterways, and ecosystems. We will continue to work with our partners across the country to support projects that guarantee a safer, cleaner future for all.” – Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities