FAQs
Why does Kimberley need a new WWTP?
Built in 1967 and upgraded in 1979, the existing Pollution Control Centre (PCC) is nearing the end of its serviceable life. Due to ongoing operation and maintenance problems including structural issues and its inability to meet current treatment standards, the City has determined that replacement is a priority for our community.
The PCC has been deemed by the BC Ministry of Environment as "the highest risk sewer treatment plant in the East Kootenay due to its age, lack of redundancy and the risk of potential impacts to recreational waters, downstream water uses, and the discharge to trans boundary waters from upset conditions and equipment failure."
Describe the new wastewater treatment plant.
In 2017, the City of Kimberley secured a $2.6-million grant to undertake engineering and environmental work required to design and permit a new treatment plant based on the Organica Food Chain Reactor (FCR) technology. The system is currently used in Sechelt, BC, and includes a large greenhouse and a smaller process building which will house administration and equipment. The FCR technology is a stable wastewater treatment solution that requires a relatively low level of long-term operational effort and includes all Municipal Waste Regulation redundancy. The new plant will also address all odour and noise issues within a contained treatment process. The new plant will support Kimberley's climate resiliency by utilizing reclaimed water within the building itself and will allow future consideration of water reclamation opportunities. See FCR Technology image below for more information.
The new plant's social footprint will highlight to the public the processes necessary to maintain a healthy environment. The greenhouses will enhance the natural surroundings to become an attraction for residents and visitors.
How much will the new facility cost? How is it being funded?
Project Cost
Total Expected Capital Expenditure: $95,220,375
Project Financing
Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program - Green Infrastructure - Environmental Quality Program Grant Application (status pending): $69,825,101
Borrowing Requirements (status pending): $23,225,000
Reserves: $2,170,274
Why are we being asked to approve borrowing of $35,000,000 when borrowing requirements are $23,225,000?
In early 2022, the City applied for a grant in the amount of $69,825,101 to fund 73.33% of the total cost of the Wastewater Treatment Plant Project. If the grant is successful, the anticipated grant funds would not be provided to the City in advance, rather, as expenditures are incurred, grant claims will have to be submitted to the funder quarterly to request reimbursement. As such, the City is required to finance the grant eligible expenditures until grant funds are received which will require cash on hand.
Through discussions with the Municipal Finance Authority, it was suggested to help mitigate this potential risk to the City's cash flow, that the figure specified in the loan authorization bylaw as the maximum amount to be borrowed be set at an amount greater than the $23,225,000 needed to construct the WWTP project to allow room for some interim borrowing (if needed) to provide cash flow until the grant funds are received. Therefore, it is proposed that the bylaw specifies $35,000,000 as the maximum amount to be borrowed.
Please note that the bylaw amount of $35,000,000 represents the maximum that can be borrowed and that the municipality is not obligated to borrow the full amount if it is not required. Any borrowing that is undertaken to provide interim cash flow will be repaid when the grant funds are fully received leaving the long-term borrowing that will ultimately be incurred to construct the WWTP project at the proposed $23,225,000.
How much will the new WWTP cost tax payers yearly?
Council has directed that the debt servicing costs associated with the construction of the new WWTP be funded through the collection of a Parcel Tax. A preliminary estimate of the annual parcel tax levy pending finalization of the interest rate and the parcel count is $277.
Parcel Taxes are levied on the unit, frontage or area of a property and can only be levied on properties that are currently receiving (or have a reasonable opportunity to receive) a specific service. As an example, if a sewer line affronts a property and the property is not connected to that line, that property may still be liable to pay a sewer parcel tax because it has the opportunity to connect. This may also apply even if there is no sewer line, but there is a firm plan to build a sewer line within a reasonable period of time.
Where will the new WWTP be located?
The current PCC is located on the floodplain of the St. Mary's River. The new WWTP will be located above the floodplain on City land between Marysville Falls and the Kimberley Golf Course at 700 302nd Ave.
Will the new WWTP smell? Will there be noise?
The new WWTP is an enclosed facility with odour control. It is designed to eliminate odour and noise for surrounding neighbours.
What will happen to the old Pollution Control Centre?
The existing Pollution Control Centre will be decommissioned and demolished. The land will be remediated into riparian wetland and parkland on the banks of the St. Mary's River.
What is wastewater?
Wastewater includes anything that goes down your drain including water in sinks, dishwashers, washing machines and toilets. Wastewater can contain a number of different pollutants and waste products, including soap, food scraps, human waste, oils and other chemicals.