Tla’amin Nation’s Wastewater Conveyance System Project will upgrade and replace existing sewage collection infrastructure in t̓išosəm, and tie this system into the City of Powell River’s new Waste Water Treatment Plant. The work will begin with the decommissioning of the existing Treatment Plant at the t̓išosəm waterfront, replacing the WWTP with construction of lift stations and force main and supporting infrastructure along the route where it will end and tie into the existing Wildwood Pump Station in Powell River.
Background
The current Tla’amin sewage treatment plant, built in 1973, is nearing the end of its lifespan. After exploring options, the Nation determined that tying into the City’s system was the safest and most cost-effective solution.
The City’s sewage treatment plant, completed in 2024, replaced three older facilities (Westview, Townsite, Wildwood) with a consolidated, modern system. The wastewater treatment plant was sized to accommodate regional growth, including the Tla’amin Nation connection.
The Project
Starting in 2025, Tla’amin Nation will connect to the City’s new sewage treatment plant for liquid waste treatment and disposal, while continuing to manage its own community collection system.
As part of the transition, Tla’amin will decommission its existing plant, install a new pump house, and retain a small emergency tank. The Nation will also install a new booster pump station between the new waterfront pump house and the Wildwood Pump Station.
The waterfront site of the old facility will be restored as a community recreational space. The Nation will cover the capital costs for pumps and piping needed to connect to the City’s system at Wildwood.
Tla’amin will maintain responsibility for its community collection system: the pipes and infrastructure that collect waste from homes in t̓išosəm.
Under a 50-year agreement, Tla’amin will contribute sewer user fees equivalent to the total sewer fees and taxes charged to City residents. The terms of the agreement will be reviewed every five years.
How can I stay up to date on the project?
The Community Liaison Steven Galligos provides updates on project progress, interruptions, events, and news on social media, Nehmotl, and the Tla’amin Nation website.