Capital Regional District approves $2B, 30-year water supply master plan
The Capital Regional District (CRD) Board has greenlit an overarching plan for the community's water supply infrastructure over the next 30 years.
The roughly $2-billion plan was designed to account for growing population, necessary water treatment equipment, and the effects of climate change.
The plan will be reassessed on a "five-to-10-year cycle," which could result in adjustments depending on data collected in the years to come.
The regional district says it also plans to hold public engagements throughout the 30-year period of the master plan.
21 MAJOR PROJECTS
The CRD's 2022 Regional Water Supply Master Plan builds off of a regional water supply plan that was adopted in 2017, which recommended 21 major infrastructure projects.
Some of those projects include a second deep intake in the Sooke Lake Reservoir, and a diversion of water in Leech River to the Sooke Lake and Deception Gulf reservoirs to supplement existing water supplies.
The most expensive project in the master plan is a roughly $1-billion water filtration plant north of the Goldstream Disinfection Facility.
The filtration plant will be the first one in the region, and the CRD says it will be necessary for when more water is diverted to existing reservoirs, and in case of extreme weather events.
"This plan outlines our vision to ensure continued delivery of high quality, clean, and sustainable drinking water for the next 30 years, a significant asset for our region," said CRD board chair Colin Plant in a statement Wednesday.
The CRD Regional Water Supply System currently serves 400,000 people living in Greater Victoria.
The region's population is predicted to grow by another 170,000 people by 2050.
The master plan's $2-billion budget accounts for inflation for around the time of each project's completion, according to the CRD.
With files from CTV News Vancouver Island's Brendan Strain
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
From outer space? Sask. farmers baffled after discovering strange wreckage in field
A family of fifth generation farmers from Ituna, Sask. are trying to find answers after discovering several strange objects lying on their land.
Broadcaster and commentator Rex Murphy dead at 77: National Post
The National Post is reporting that Rex Murphy, the pundit and columnist who hosted a national call-in radio show for decades, has died.
Pearson gold heist suspect arrested after flying into Toronto from India
Another suspect is in custody in connection with the gold heist at Toronto Pearson International Airport last year, police say.
Millions of cyberattacks per hour as B.C. government investigates multiple breaches
Careful attention to government statements and legislation is required to get a handle on the level of risk British Columbians’ information is under, as investigators probe multiple breaches under a continued barrage of attacks.
Ontario family receives massive hospital bill as part of LTC law, refuses to pay
A southwestern Ontario woman has received an $8,400 bill from a hospital in Windsor, Ont., after she refused to put her mother in a nursing home she hated -- and she says she has no intention of paying it.
Debate on abortion rights erupts on Parliament Hill, Poilievre vows he won't legislate
A Conservative government led by Pierre Poilievre would not legislate on, nor use the notwithstanding clause, on abortion, his office says, as anti-abortion protesters gather on Parliament Hill.
Justin and Hailey Bieber are expecting their first child together
Hailey and Justin Bieber are going to be parents. The couple announced the news on Thursday on Instagram, both sharing a video that showcases Hailey Bieber's growing belly.
Here are the ultraprocessed foods you most need to avoid, according to a 30-year study
Studies have shown that ultraprocessed foods can have a detrimental impact on health. But 30 years of research show they don’t all have the same impact.
New 'Lord of the Rings' film coming in 2026
The Oscar-winning team behind the nearly US$6 billion blockbuster 'Lord of the Rings' and 'The Hobbit' trilogies is reuniting to produce two new films.