Columbia Pollution Control Centre Upgrade

Groundbreaking on Columbia Pollution Control Centre Upgrade Marks a Major Step Toward Environmental Sustainability

The Regional District of Kootenay Boundary (RDKB) is excited to announce the commencement of the long-planned upgrades to the Columbia Pollution Control Centre in Trail, BC. This significant project will upgrade the facility to secondary treatment, serving the City of Trail, City of Rossland, the Village of Warfield, and the communities of Rivervale and Oasis.

Built in the 1970s, the Columbia Pollution Control Centre has long required modernization to meet current environmental standards and ensure the continued protection of the Columbia River ecosystem. These upgrades are not just an option—they are a necessity. The project’s completion is crucial for the health and well-being of residents, local wildlife, and First Nations communities on both sides of the border.

The upgraded facility will bring multiple benefits to the region, including improved wastewater treatment that significantly reduces pollutants entering the Columbia River. The project will also ensure the long-term sustainability of wastewater management in the area, supporting both current and future generations.

“This project is vital for maintaining the environmental integrity of our region and ensuring that we are good stewards of our natural resources,” said Andy Morel, Chair of the RDKB Board. “We’re committed to improving our critical infrastructure, employing local people wherever possible, and completing this project with minimal disruption to our communities.”

The $76 million upgrade project, the construction of which is expected to be completed by the end of 2026, is receiving $46 million in funding through the Government of Canada and the Province of British Columbia. This funding includes $25.2 million from the Government of Canada and $20.8 million from the Province of British Columbia through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program - Green Infrastructure Environmental Quality Stream. The remaining $30 million for construction will be financed by a long-term RDKB loan.

“Supporting and meeting today’s environmental challenges with proper solutions is a priority for the federal government,” said The Honourable Harjit Sajjan, Minister of Emergency Preparedness and Minister responsible for the Pacific Economic Development Agency of Canada, on behalf of the Honourable Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities. “By investing in the Columbia Pollution Control Centre, our government will ensure communities have the ability to provide clean and reliable water in the region. With these upgrades, the centre will support greener, healthier, and more resilient communities around the Columbia River basin.”

“The Columbia Pollution Control Centre upgrades are a crucial step towards protecting the health of our communities and the Columbia River,” said Ravi Kahlon, Minister of Housing and Municipal Affairs. “This project will modernize wastewater treatment to meet today’s environmental standards, ensuring clean water and a more sustainable future for people in the Kootenay region. We remain committed to working with all levels of government to invest in infrastructure that will improve the lives of British Columbians for generations to come.”

“We are excited to take on this challenge and deliver a state-of-the-art facility that will serve the community for decades to come,” said Goran Denkovski, Manager of Infrastructure and Sustainability at the RDKB. “This project is not just about compliance; it’s about doing what’s right for our environment and our residents, including people downstream.”

The Columbia Pollution Control Centre upgrade is a testament to the RDKB’s commitment to environmental stewardship and sustainability. By investing in this critical infrastructure, the district is taking a proactive step to protect the Columbia River and support the health and well-being of all residents and ecosystems in the region.

The official groundbreaking ceremony at the Columbia Pollution Control Centre in Trail. Picture shows (from left to right): Councillor Craig Humpherys - City of Rossland, RDKB Director Linda Worley - Area B/Lower Columbia-Old Glory, Colleen Jones - Mayor of Trail, Steve Morissette - MLA for Kootenay-Monashee, and Terry Martin - Vice Chair of the RDKB Board.