The Metro Vancouver Regional District says the cost of building a new water main pipe under Stanley Park may be $100 million more than initially predicted.
The district is set to vote Wednesday on a contract that would raise the building cost from the initial budgeted $395 million to $495 million.
In its agenda for the Water Committee meeting, the district has listed the increase for approval, as well as awarding the contract for the first phase of construction to a group called ‘Burrard-Chilco Partnership.’
The district says the water main pipe would meet the growing demand for drinking water in the region and replace the existing pipe that was built nearly a century ago.
“The new water supply tunnel will replace the existing Capilano Main No. 4 that was constructed in the 1930s. The Capilano Main No. 4 has experienced multiple leaks in recent years and is at the end of its service life. A construction contractor will deliver the construction of three shafts and a tunnel to house a 2.6-metre diameter water main, as well as valve chambers, flowmeter chambers, and related works,” said a report by the district.
Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel – Shaft Site Locations and Designated Truck Routes (Courtesy Metro Vancouver)
The report says the price tag for the project grew due to several factors, including “current construction market conditions and escalation.”
Metro Vancouver says one-third of the increase can be accommodated by the current budget, but the other two-thirds will need to be managed “as part of future financial plans.”
The Water Committee meeting is scheduled to begin at 1 p.m.
—With files from Sonia Aslam.