Planned upgrades to the sewer system in south Campbell River means it won’t be at maximum capacity for much longer.
After a comprehensive review, the city says it will begin sewer upgrades along a portion of Highway 19A. The work is set to wrap-up sometime this summer.
This comes after last week’s notice from the city: They said the sewer in the growing Maryland-Parkway neighbourhood reached its maximum capacity, which meant a handful of people wouldn’t be able to move into new homes in the area.
READ MORE: Campbell River’s south-end sewer system at maximum capacity
However, news of upgrades means building inspections for 14 houses currently under construction can now continue, and occupancy permits can be issued as early as this week for six new move-in ready homes.
The city says additional sewer capacity will also accommodate future homes on individual vacant single-family lots already sold in the area.
“Monday night, council endorsed a plan for immediate upgrade work that will increase capacity in the neighbourhood sewer system. Tuesday morning we began advising property owners, contractors and developers that, based on this work being done this summer, we are now able to issue building and occupancy permits again,” says Ron Neufeld, Campbell River’s deputy city manager.
“We provided an update to everyone directly affected immediately because we recognize this is an urgent situation given the personal and financial impact for property and homeowners.”
Working with a local engineering firm, the city received a series of recommendations for sewer system upgrades. Neufeld confirms they’re working in partnership with a local developer and engineering firm to begin the sewer upgrade work right away.
The immediate priority for upgrades this year is to relieve a bottleneck in the sewer system caused by 150 metres of low-capacity pipe between Maryland and Twillingate, and the city says the estimated cost to replace or twin the sewer lines along this stretch is $575,000. It will be paid from the city’s sewer capital reserve fund.
As a longer-term solution, the city will also begin designing upgrades to accommodate future construction on lands not yet developed within the Maryland-Parkway area. City staff will provide a report with options for council to consider, including funding, timing, sizing and delivery models and design.
“This is a rapidly growing area, and we understand the developer aims to have additional lots on the market as early as this fall. These longer-term upgrades will help provide certainty that additional residential building can continue within this neighbourhood,” Neufeld adds.
