Starting this week, the City will begin work to expand sewer capacity and build new green rainwater infrastructure along West 54th Avenue, part of a series of infrastructure upgrades underway to support population growth along the Cambie Corridor. Work includes replacing the existing sewer along West 54th Avenue from Cambie Street to Neal Street with a separated and larger-capacity system, with one pipe for rainwater runoff and another pipe for sewage. This work will reduce the risk of localized flooding as well as the risk of increased combined sewer overflows into the Fraser River.
The total project investment is $10.3 million, with the majority funded through Utilities Development Cost Levies (UDCLs) collected through new development to partially fund engineering infrastructure delivered by the City’s capital program, and developer contributions.
“Upgrading our sewer system is essential work that protects public health and allows our city to grow and adapt,” says Mayor Ken Sim. “This project directly addresses Vancouver’s infrastructure deficit; allowing for more housing to be built while making our infrastructure more resilient in the face of extreme weather events caused by climate change.”
Green rainwater infrastructure (GRI) and pedestrian safety upgrades will also be incorporated into this project through the installation of four green rainwater curb bulges. GRI uses engineered soil and plants that work with the built environment to naturally capture and clean rainwater, helping to prevent pollutants carried by rainwater from entering waterways and reducing the volume of rainwater entering our pipe system.
Vancouver has legacy combined sewers that carry both sewage and rainwater in the same pipe. During heavy rains, these pipes can become overwhelmed resulting in combined volumes of rainwater and sewage spilling into receiving waters like the Fraser River. The City is working to mitigate combined sewer overflows and improve aquatic water quality.
Background
In 2018, Council approved the Cambie Corridor Utilities Servicing Plan, which includes upgrades of the existing underground utility system and green rainwater infrastructure to help the growing Cambie Corridor meet increasing servicing needs for new developments. The West 54th Avenue Upgrades project is currently being delivered as part of this plan.
Plan ahead
- To safely accommodate construction, some lane and street closures will be in effect block-by-block with access for pedestrians retained at all times. Find out about ongoing construction work using our road ahead map.
- Residents and visitors to the area can expect parking restrictions along West 54th Avenue, and the adjacent side streets, between Cambie Street and Neal Street and on Cambie Street directly adjacent to West 54th Avenue. Visitors are asked to park on neighbouring streets.
- Access to Cambie Park and Cambie Park Community Garden will be maintained at all times. There will be no impact to park amenities during construction.
- Construction will generally take place Monday to Friday, from 7 am to 5 pm and on weekends as needed. Learn more about West 54th Avenue Upgrades or email us your questions.