Project secures $24.3 million grant

Aug 28, 2019 | 11:19 AM

Senior governments have confirmed their committment to a major project in the Swan Lake area north of Vernon.

The B.C. and federal governments are providing a $24.3 million grant from the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Plan for the North Okanagan Wastewater Recovery System.

The Government of Canada is providing $13,255,148, while the Province of British Columbia is contributing $11,044,852.

“The grant funding will cover approximately 66 per cent of the total $36.9 million cost, with the remaining amounts to be funded by RDNO borrowing ($5.2 million), an Okanagan Basin Water Board grant ($5.9 million) and Township of Spallumcheen reserves ($1.5 million),” a news release from the Regional District of North Okanagan (RDNO) said.

The project will provide wastewater treatment to homes and businesses in that area, getting them off septic systems, which should improve Swan Lake water quality.

Septic System Setbacks

Public hearing to discuss regulations around septic tanks in Coldstream

Apr 10, 2026

Health Care

New maternity care clinic open in Vernon

Apr 10, 2026

Labour Force Stats

Regional unemployment on the rise

Apr 10, 2026

It will also provide reclaimed water for agriculture, and help recreational and economic opportunities.

The proposed site of the treatment plant is on a 2.5-acre site purchased by the Township of Spallumcheen that is zoned for industrial use.

The next steps include design, development, tendering and construction of the facility and sewer lines over the next two to three years.

“The process will be aided by the continued support of the Wastewater Recovery Community Working Group of dedicated community volunteers providing local perspectives as the project moves forward,” the release added.

RDNO said the project is the result of a unique and innovative partnership formed in 2015 between the Township of Spallumcheen, the regional district and the Okanagan Indian Band.

“For the past four years, the partners have been setting the foundation for the success of this project, including conducting environmental and economic impact studies and obtaining community and financial support. While currently planned to service portions of Electoral Areas B and C, the Township of Spallumcheen’s south-east industrial area and Okanagan Indian Band lands within the proposed service area, it will have the ability to expand to meet future growth,” the release stated.

Spallumcheen Mayor Christine Fraser says the project has huge benefits for the entire region, especially for sustaining local agriculture.

“The highly treated wastewater will provide much-needed relief for our farmers during the hot, dry summers. And the only way we could achieve the many benefits this project offers is with the Investment in Canada Infrastructure grant,” Fraser said.

“This substantial grant makes this project a reality and will help us create the future we envision, one that balances environmental protection with economic opportunities. The Partnership has been instrumental to moving the project forward over the past four years and key to ensuring we continue to be stewards of our environment and our economy for future generations,” said Chief Byron Louis of the Okanagan Indian Band.

Click here for more on the project.

by Pete McIntyre

View Comments