Coun. Pope demands provincial probe into massive delays, cost overruns at North Shore Wastewater Plant

District of North Vancouver Councillor Catherine Pope again calls for a provincial public inquiry into the escalating costs and delays surrounding the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP). Initially budgeted at $700 million with a 2020 completion target, the plant has ballooned to an estimated $4 billion, with no completion in sight.

In a report she has brought before the council at a meeting on September 9, Councillor Pope says the DNV council should request the Province to launch a formal investigation into the project. “This staggering increase in cost and time demands a robust investigation, transparency, and accountability from Metro Vancouver,” she says in her report.

Pope outlined key concerns regarding the project’s oversight, mainly focusing on the massive cost overruns and delays. “The public deserves answers regarding what went wrong, why costs have skyrocketed, and whether Metro Vancouver’s management and governance are responsible,” Pope said.

She highlighted the financial burden that has disproportionately fallen on North Shore residents, who are set to pay an estimated $590 annually for 30 years to cover the costs. In contrast, residents of other Lower Mainland municipalities will pay much lower fees—between $80 and $150 annually for 15 years. “This financial inequity is unacceptable,” Pope emphasized.

Pope also raised doubts about the adequacy of the independent performance audit, pointing out that Metro Vancouver will oversee this audit. “Its independence is questionable as it is overseen by Metro Vancouver, limiting its scope and effectiveness,” she said.

Pope called for a fully independent public inquiry, stating it would comprehensively investigate the WWTP project. “A public inquiry will help ensure that Metro Vancouver’s governance and management practices are thoroughly examined, preventing future fiscal mismanagement in large-scale infrastructure projects,” she added.

She also referenced the North Shore Neighbourhoods Alliance, which includes seven community associations. The group has voiced support for a public inquiry and called for additional funding from higher levels of government. The City of North Vancouver also passed a resolution in June 2024, authorizing the mayor to file a formal complaint against Metro Vancouver over the WWTP’s escalating costs.

Pope hopes the inquiry will pave the way for greater transparency and accountability for the WWTP and future projects such as the planned $10 billion Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. “We can’t afford to let this happen again,” she warned.