Metro Vancouver has approved an independent review of the North Shore wastewater treatment plant, following public frustration as costs soared to $3.86 billion — nearly five times the original estimate of $700 million. The review, led by Rob Andrews of EXP Engineering, was approved Friday by the board of the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District, an agency of Metro Vancouver.
Review Scope and Team
According to a statement from Metro staff, the review team includes experts in major projects, cost estimation, and risk analysis. “Our team’s deep expertise in evaluating complex infrastructure projects makes us well-equipped to conduct a thorough, balanced and independent review of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant project,” said Andrews. “We look forward to sharing the results of a rigorous and impartial review, with recommendations for future projects.”
The regional district stated that the review will examine the plant’s budget, key factors driving cost increases, and whether those increases could have been prevented. It will also assess whether Metro’s governance and oversight structure are adequate for major projects and provide recommendations to mitigate cost and schedule risks through project completion and for future endeavors.
Background and Legal Settlement
Earlier this year, North Vancouver Mayor Linda Buchanan and District of North Vancouver Mayor Mike Little requested a public inquiry from B.C. Premier David Eby into the cost overruns. A decade ago, the mayors were told the plant would cost $700 million. Metro Vancouver and its original contractor, Spanish multinational Acciona Group, settled competing lawsuits last month over Metro’s cancellation of the Acciona contract in 2022 as costs escalated. As part of the settlement, Acciona agreed to pay $235 million, which Metro said will be reinvested into the project. Acciona had initially demanded $250 million for the cancellation, while Metro countersued for $500 million.
Project Timeline and Future
The plan for an independent review was initiated in June 2024 but was paused until the lawsuits were resolved. PCL Constructors West Coast Inc. has been contracted to complete the massive project, which is expected to finish in 2030. The treatment plant will replace the Lions Gate facility, which currently provides only primary-level wastewater treatment. It is being constructed between Philip and Pemberton avenues in North Vancouver.
