ARROW Utilities has completed a major expansion of its wastewater treatment plant in Fort Saskatchewan, doubling the facility’s treatment capacity and adding what is being described as Western Canada’s largest membrane bioreactor system.
The Train 4 expansion increases the plant’s treatment capacity from about 75 million litres per day to 145 million litres per day, allowing it to accommodate continued population growth across Alberta’s Capital Region while also producing treated water suitable for industrial reuse.
The project was delivered by PCL Construction using a Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) model. The upgraded facility reached clean-water commissioning in late 2025 and became fully operational earlier this year.
A key component of the expansion is a membrane bioreactor (MBR) system, which combines biological treatment with membrane filtration to produce high-quality effluent. According to the project partners, the technology removes up to 99% of bacteria and viruses, allowing treated wastewater to be reused for industrial applications and reducing demand on freshwater supplies.
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The expanded facility is intended to support growing communities while helping utilities meet evolving environmental regulations and improve the quality of effluent discharged to the North Saskatchewan River watershed.
“This project is a great example of what’s possible when teams come together early and stay aligned,” announced Adam Laughlin, construction manager with PCL, in a statement. “Working closely with ARROW Utilities and Associated Engineering, we were able to deliver a complex facility that will support the region for years to come.”
Kate Polkovsky, chief executive officer of ARROW Utilities, said the project represents a long-term investment in regional infrastructure.
“This expansion is a major investment in the future of our region and a great example of what can be accomplished through collaboration,” Polkovsky said. “We’ve built the capacity needed to support continued growth while moving us toward a circular water economy. It’s an investment that protects our environment and ensures we can continue providing reliable used water services to the communities we serve.”
Associated Engineering served as the project’s engineering consultant. Chad Maki, vice-president and general manager for Alberta North, said the collaborative delivery model helped the partners complete the technically complex project.
According to the project partners, early involvement of mechanical and electrical contractors helped optimize the design, reduce project risks and improve construction sequencing.
ARROW Utilities said the expanded treatment plant strengthens regional wastewater infrastructure, supports industrial water reuse, improves effluent quality and enhances long-term protection of the North Saskatchewan River watershed. The project was completed on schedule, under its guaranteed maximum price and without any lost-time incidents.
