Press Release: Tofino Receives Additional Funding for Wastewater Treatment Plant

TOFINO, B.C. – The B.C. Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Canada’s Ministry of Intergovernmental Affairs, Infrastructure and Communities announced a joint investment of more than $12.5 million towards Phase 2 of the Tofino Wastewater Treatment and System Upgrades project.

Tofino is located on Tla-o-qui-aht Territory in the heart of the Clayoquot Sound UNESCO Biosphere Reserve, known worldwide for its natural beauty and rich marine ecosystems. The endeavor to build Tofino’s Wastewater Treatment Plant will ensure Tofino’s sewage is treated responsibly and marine environments are kept cleaner for future generations.

Construction of Phase 1 began September of 2022 and services Tofino, the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation and has the ability to connect with Parks Canada in the future. Crews have begun building the facility that will include UV disinfection, ensuring all effluent complies with the most stringent federal Wastewater System Effluent Regulations standards. Work is also already underway on Phase 2, to upgrade and replace legacy conveyance infrastructure and install new pump stations.

This project would not be possible without the funding from both the Provincial and Federal Governments. Funding was provided through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program, Environmental Quality stream, which is managed by the Ministry of Municipal Affairs. The District of Tofino is grateful for their contributions. Combining both phases will culminate in a project valued at $77.5 million, the largest capital project the District of Tofino has ever undertaken which will end the decades-long practice of discharging untreated effluent into the marine environment.

Tofino Mayor, Dan Law

“I am extremely pleased to announce that thanks to tremendous Provincial and Federal government support, the District of Tofino and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation will soon be able to achieve the long-standing goal of treating all local sewage entering Clayoquot Sound.

I applaud all those who have worked diligently over the past decade to contribute to the successful design and ongoing construction of this state-of-the-art Wastewater Treatment Plant and Conveyance System.

District staff, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation staff, North America Construction, WSP, provincial and federal representatives have worked together seamlessly to make this difficult project a success. Once operational, this project’s social and environmental stewardship benefits will extend far beyond local communities, encompassing the almost one million regional visitors as well. I thank residents and local businesses for their patience and understanding during the ongoing construction phase. Staff, engineers, and contractors are doing an excellent job, and I look forward to a timely and successful completion in 2024.”

Anne Kang, Minister for Municipal Affairs, Province of British Columbia

“We recognize the improvements to Tofino’s wastewater treatment facility will enhance the protection to our environment and improve life for British Columbians. I am excited to see this collaborative project service both Tofino and the Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation as it strengthens these communities and helps preserve an area known for its natural beauty."

District of Tofino CAO Nyla Attiana

“The successful planning of this project would not have been made possible without the collaborative efforts and hard work of many. The District is appreciative of the continued support and commitment from the Provincial and Federal governments to our project and community. We are grateful for the patience and understanding of our residents and visitors as construction continues throughout the community.”

Courtenay-Alberni MP Gord Johns

“The announcement of this important joint investment is a tribute to the responsible stewardship and sound planning of the leaders and staff of District of Tofino and Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation; and the willingness of federal and provincial governments to share their vision for a pristine environment. The beneficiaries of this historic announcement are all those species that rely on healthy marine ecosystems in Clayoquot Sound. Kleco Kleco to all those who have made this possible.”

MLA for Mid Island-Pacific Rim Josie Osborne:

"Tofitians care deeply about the natural environment and have worked for years to develop a modern, reliable wastewater treatment system to improve water quality in Clayoquot Sound, support Indigenous practices and local economies, and protect human health. This project - the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken in Tofino - was possible because of the vision, collaboration and partnership between the District of Tofino, Tla-o-qui-aht First Nation, the Province of BC, and Canada. I offer my gratitude and congratulations to everyone involved in this long awaited achievement."

The project is on track to be completed in late 2024. Project updates will be shared on the District of Tofino’s Talk Tofino engagement page at talktofino.ca/wastewater-treatment-plant

BACKGROUND

Contact

Keegan McColl

Communications Coordinator

District of Tofino

(T) 250 725 3229

(E) ac.onifot@snoitacinummoc

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