The North Okanagan Water Recovery Project, a sewer and water reclamation system, is under construction in Spallumcheen.
The project is a partnership involving the Regional District of North Okanagan, the Township of Spallumcheen and the Okanagan Indian Band. The initiative was launched in 2015, according to project officials.
The goal is to bring community sewer service to the Swan Lake area and reduce the impact of aging septic systems on the lake.
The project’s total cost is estimated at $49.6 million, according to the regional district.
Regional district officials said Centerfire Contracting Ltd. has been awarded the contract for Spallumcheen’s portion of the work, which includes wastewater collection lines, lift stations and treatment and storage ponds on L&A Cross Road.
“Site clearing, dust control and silt fencing are already in place to limit impacts on surrounding farmland and environmental and archaeological monitoring staff will be on site throughout construction,” read the regional district’s announcement.
The regional district’s portion of the project is scheduled to begin later this year.
Site grading and pipework are expected to continue through the rest of the year, with construction of reclaimed-water storage ponds planned for 2027, according to the regional district.
Spallumcheen Mayor Christine Fraser said the project is important for the area.
“It provides much needed water for our local agriculture producers and relieves pressures on local aquifers,” she said. “This additional water supply is gold for our farmers.”
Fraser said the benefits of the system will be felt across the region for generations.
“Seeing construction begin is the culmination of more than a decade of hard work, and I am grateful to see this important project moving forward.”
Vernon-Lumby MLA Harwinder Sandhu said the project reflects the values of people across the North Okanagan.
“Caring for our environment, supporting local agriculture and planning for the future,” she said. “By helping protect Swan Lake and providing a reliable water source for local farms, it will strengthen our region and deliver lasting benefits for residents, families and farming communities.”
The regional district said commissioning is expected in fall 2027 and the system is anticipated to be fully operational by early 2028.
A final project cost will be confirmed once the regional district tenders its portion of the work this fall.
