Sewer Separation

Sewer separation rehabilitation workers
Project Status
In Progress
Category
Utilities
Traffic Impact Updates
West End Sewer Separation and Watermain Replacement Project

Project Overview

The City of New Westminster's sewer separation program involves the installation of new storm sewers which divert the catchment's storm flows from the combined sewers. The project will reduce the discharge of combined sewer overflows into the Fraser River by diverting significant amounts of storm water from combined sewers during rainfall events and providing improved storm water drainage that meets regional and federal requirements.

  • Phase one of the project diverted approximately 10% of the storm flow.
  • Subsequent phases of this project will result in approximately 30% diversion.

The program also includes installation of Green Infrastructure ("Rain Gardens") to reduce the amount of storm water flow into the storm piping. Rain Gardens will effectively recharge groundwater levels, mimic the natural water cycle, and increase resiliency to address climate change.

Construction Impacts

Sewer separation work has been completed in the West End neighbourhood. Milling and paving work will on designated streets will resume in spring 2027.

View the latest Roadworks & Construction Updates.

Construction Schedule and Locations

Project TaskLocationDurationImpact
Sewer Separation and Rain GardensSixth Avenue - 20th Street to 18th StreetFall 2023 - Summer 2025Temporary property access and sidewalk restrictions, as well as parking will be impacted.
Sewer Separation and Rain Gardens16th Street - Tenth Avenue to Fifth AvenueSpring 2024 - Fall 2025Temporary property access and sidewalk restrictions, as well as parking will be impacted.
Sewer Separation and Rain Gardens18th Street - Tenth Avenue to Sixth AvenueFall 2024 - Spring 2026Temporary property access and sidewalk restrictions, as well as parking will be impacted.
Sewer Separation and Rain Gardens20th Street - Tenth Avenue to Sixth AvenueWinter 2026 - Spring 2027Temporary property access and sidewalk restrictions, as well as parking will be impacted.

Impacted Roads

Due to the nature of the work, there will be some minor interruptions. The contractor will be blocking off a section of the street with yellow caution tape and signs. We ask that residents and visitors not park in these areas.

Residents of affected households and businesses will be notified at least 24 hours in advance of these interruptions. Access to some driveways and street parking will be impacted due to the nature of the work. Contractors will have steel plates on site to span a trench if access is urgent during the day. The trenches will be backfilled on a daily basis. We will endeavor to minimize disruption as much as possible. However, as with a project of this nature, some disruption is inevitable.

Please continue to follow parking signs and directions from traffic control personnel.

Map of West End sewer separation area

What is Sewer Separation?

In combined sewers, our rainwater and sewage ends up in the same pipe which goes to the treatment plant. This is fine when the weather is drier. However, during heavy precipitation events, our combined sewage and rainwater overflows into our water bodies which has significant ecological impacts and increases the risk of localized flooding.

By separating sewers, it eliminates overflow and prevents localized flooding through increased capacity. In addition, rainwater can then be used as a resource to, for instance, irrigate plants.

Sewer separation diagram

Project Contact

Should you require further information regarding the sewer separation portion of the project, please contact the project team at westendsewerproject@newwestcity.ca.