The City of Nelson, British Columbia, is moving forward with an application for up to $7 million in federal funding to help replace the Grohman Narrows wastewater treatment plant force main, a failing pipe that has been leaking untreated sewage into the Kootenay River.
City staff told council in August that the 50-year-old force main has deteriorated due to corrosion, causing leaks with increasing frequency. The project to replace it is estimated to cost $11.6 million, according to a staff report.
The funding would come from the Strategic Priorities Fund (SPF), part of the Canada Community-Building Fund. The program supports large-scale, regional or innovative infrastructure projects that promote economic growth, environmental sustainability, and strong communities.
Nelson has already commissioned a range of preliminary studies to prepare for the project, including environmental assessments, lake bed imaging, geotechnical investigations, and ongoing underwater inspections of the pipe. Urban Systems has already been retained to establish the design criteria, pipe alignment and proposed construction methodology.
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If the grant application is successful, the SPF could cover up to 100% of eligible costs to a maximum of $7 million, leaving the city to fund the remaining $4.6 million from its Wastewater Utility Reserves. Council would also be responsible for managing the grant and covering any potential cost overruns.
The federal government has already directed the city to act. In May 2024, Environment and Climate Change Canada issued an order under the Fisheries Act requiring Nelson to provide a force main replacement plan. The city must also submit progress updates every six months until the project is complete.
Staff said replacing the wastewater force main is critical to both protecting local waterways and ensuring reliable long-term wastewater treatment for the community.
