Wastewater treatment: we need to plan now

In 2024, Sooke completed a $6.6 million expansion of our wastewater treatment plant, increasing average daily capacity by 50%. We paid for it responsibly: $4.6 million came from a government grant, and almost all of the remaining $2M came from Development Cost Charges collected from new development. Less than two years later, Council received a January 2026 report estimating that, with continued growth, the plant could reach capacity again in roughly five years. For major infrastructure, five years isn't a lot of time. Planning, engineering, environmental approvals, grant applications and construction can take years so this needs to move to the top of the list.

Sooke's current long-term wastewater plan dates back to 2010. Wastewater planning must meet provincial requirements and environmental standards. Sixteen years, significant population growth, and a 50% plant expansion later, Sooke’s developing a new Wastewater Master Plan to look at growth, wastewater flows, and infrastructure needs through 2050 – including what we need to build and what it could cost.

The District's current capital plan carries a $10 million estimate for future treatment plant planning, design and construction. Is that enough? We don't know yet. But we have an opportunity to get the financing right. We have approximately $2.5 million in a sewer expansion reserve. The original $8.8 million sewer loan will be fully paid off this October, after 20 years, and a new sewer rate model is being developed for 2027.

Before taking on major new debt, let's look at all the options: reserves, Development Cost Charges, grants, sewer revenues and, if necessary, borrowing. Let's get the plan later this year, understand the real costs, and start planning. The new Wastewater Master Plan isn't just another municipal study. It should drive some of the next Council's biggest infrastructure and financial decisions.