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City partnering with developers to expand South Campbell River sewer capacity

The City is partnering with local developers to increase sewer pipe size along another stretch of Highway 19A to support future development.

Parkway Properties and Maryland Estates will share the cost and lead construction of around 750 metres of new sewer lines along Highway 19A, between Twillingate Road and Barlow Road. 

Through the municipal development works agreement, the City will contribute a portion of the project’s cost from the sewer capital reserve fund rather than by increasing property taxes.

“This partnership with the area developer provides the quickest, most cost-effective delivery of these upgrades,” explains deputy city manager Ron Neufeld. 

“It’s important to begin this work now, in this way, to ensure we provide a solution as soon as possible. By collaborating with the developer, the city maintains a leadership role and ensures prudent use of public funds without delaying other City-run upgrades currently underway. Delays in these projects would result in additional costs for taxpayers.”

This project builds on the first phase of sewer capacity expansion in the south end of Campbell River that started earlier in the year.

In April, Council awarded a contract to Highland Engineering and Upland Contracting to upgrade approximately 170 metres of sewer pipe along Highway 19A between Maryland Road and Twillingate Road. 

According to the city, this work was identified as the immediate priority and first phase of upgrades to expand sewer capacity in this growing neighbourhood. Construction is on track to be completed before winter and will accommodate development of all existing approved lots within the sewer catchment area.

The second phase is required to accommodate full build-out of the remaining developable lands north of Jubilee Parkway. 

More development in the area is anticipated in 2022.

“Promptly addressing the need for expanded sewer capacity in this area is necessary to meet the City’s obligations to facilitate housing construction and orderly growth of the community,” Neufeld adds.

According to the city, given the tight timeline and demand for development lots in this area, as well as proven past success of developer-managed upgrades, Council endorsed a plan to have the developer complete the upgrades. 

This was the approach used for the sewer and storm drain upgrade at the nearby Brind’Amour subdivision in 2006, when the project was done in partnership with Seymour Pacific Developments, Edmund Maxwell and Parkway Properties.

The city and developer will also increase the size of sewer pipe over the 750 metres for potential contribution from south of Jubilee Parkway, with the city paying for this portion of the upgrade. 

Cost recovery would occur if or when lands south of Jubilee Parkway are connected to the City sewer system in the future. 

Any additional sewage flows from south of Jubilee or significant changes in infill density north of Jubilee Parkway will require future sewer system upgrades in other south-end sewer lines not currently being expanded.

Total cost for this sewer upgrade is estimated at $2,858,000.

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