North Okanagan Wastewater Recovery Project begins construction

Construction has commenced on the North Okanagan Wastewater Recovery Project, a sewer and water reclamation system valued at over $49 million. The initiative is a partnership between the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO), the Township of Spallumcheen, and the Okanagan Indian Band (OKIB).

Launched in 2015, the project aims to provide community sewer services to the Swan Lake area and mitigate the environmental impact of aging septic systems on the lake. Following the receipt of a municipal wastewater regulation permit from the province, construction began in July. Centerfire Contracting Ltd. has been awarded the contract for the Spallumcheen portion of the work, which includes lift stations, wastewater collection lines, and treatment and storage ponds on L&A Cross Road.

Site grading and pipework are scheduled to continue through 2026, with the construction of reclaimed water storage ponds planned for 2027. The system is expected to be commissioned in the fall of 2027 and fully operational by early 2028. Once functional, the treated wastewater will be used to irrigate forage crops, such as alfalfa and silage corn, on local agricultural land.