A local advocacy group is calling for an independent public inquiry into the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant project, pointing to a pattern of major infrastructure cost overruns across Metro Vancouver.
The North Shore Neighbourhoods Alliance renewed its call following news that the province’s Massey Tunnel replacement project is now projected to cost approximately $11 billion — up from an initial estimate of $4.15 billion five years ago. According to the news release, a 10-lane bridge proposed in 2017 had been estimated at $2.6 billion by comparison.
On June 15, Delta Councillor Dylan Kruger formally called for an independent investigation into the termination of the contract between the Ministry of Transportation and Infrastructure and Cross Fraser Partnership, which had been responsible for the Massey Tunnel replacement.
The NSNA says similar scrutiny is warranted for the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant. The City of North Vancouver first raised concerns about that project in summer 2024, followed by the District of North Vancouver later that year. Additional calls have since come from Surrey, with further action anticipated in New Westminster.
“We are approaching a critical point,” said Daniel Anderson, spokesperson for the NSNA. “This extends beyond a single project; it reflects broader concerns about oversight and fiscal management in essential public infrastructure.”
According to the news release, the alliance is calling for a public, independent review under Section 765 of the Local Government Act, which would allow the Inspector of Municipalities to initiate an investigation with authority to override non-disclosure agreements. The NSNA says the province has so far declined to act on a similar request made as early as July 2024.
The alliance also noted that the Ironworkers Memorial Bridge has fewer than 40 years of service life remaining, adding urgency to calls for greater oversight of infrastructure decisions across the region.
“There are mechanisms available to address these concerns, but they require decisive action,” Anderson said, adding that the approaching municipal elections represent an opportunity for residents to demand greater accountability from local leadership.
Metro Vancouver has resolved its litigation with Acciona, which is providing $235 million to Metro Vancouver through a settlement agreement.
Meanwhile, Metro Vancouver says it’s resolved its litigation with Acciona, agreeing to pay $235 million. With the legal matters concluded, Metro Vancouver is now advancing an independent review. Randal Kaardal, K.C., has been reconfirmed to finalize the terms of engagement, after which an independent review team will be appointed to conduct the review at arm’s length.
The independent review team will have full access to project records and will examine the program’s history, finances, governance, and delivery. The review will result in findings and recommendations to strengthen oversight, accountability, and the delivery of major infrastructure projects, Metro Vancouver said.
