Background

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.

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

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.

construction disruption

Work is currently taking place in the West End neighbourhood. 

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. 

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.

City Contact

Should you require further information regarding the sewer separation portion of the project, please contact Amir Aminpour, Engineering Projects Manager, at 604.515.3796 or by email at  or