Hon. Alice Wong, P.C.

Government of Canada enhances public infrastructure with innovative technologies

Richmond, British Columbia — Alice Wong, Member of Parliament for Richmond, on behalf of the Honourable Lynne Yelich, Minister of State for Western Economic Diversification today announced a $1 million federal investment, through Western Economic Diversification Canada, to ‘green’ Metro Vancouver’s Lulu Island Wastewater Treatment Plant in Richmond.

“Our Government is committed to strengthening our economy in these tough times by investing in science and technology,” said MP Wong. “This project will make the plant more efficient and sustainable, while showcasing state-of the-art wastewater treatment technology developed right here in British Columbia.”

Funding will allow the Metro Vancouver’s Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District to purchase, install and bring into operation leading-edge technology at the Lulu Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. Coined the “B.C. Bioenergy to Biogas Project,” innovative, locally-developed technology will allow the plant to more efficiently convert its wastewater by-product into biogas, which will then be converted into electricity and heat for use by the plant. In addition to reducing the plant’s operating costs, emissions and waste disposal by up to a third or more, this project is expected to model increased productivity of wastewater plants and enhance public infrastructure in British Columbia and Canada. Metro Vancouver is also contributing $3 million in funding to the project.

“We see this as a big step toward meeting our goals of sustainable energy, reduced emissions and improved air quality as expressed in our Sustainability Framework,” said Metro Vancouver Chair Lois Jackson. “We’re hoping to make this a sustainability showcase for wastewater treatment plants worldwide.”

Metro Vancouver is a federation of 22 communities, one electoral area and one treaty First Nation that make up metropolitan Vancouver. Metro Vancouver provides regional services to its member communities in the areas of drinking water, sewage treatment, solid waste disposal, recycling, housing and parks. Other responsibilities include management and planning for the region’s growth, development and sustainability through a series of community-approved plans and initiatives.

Western Economic Diversification Canada works with the provinces, industry associations and communities to promote the development and diversification of the western economy, coordinates federal economic activities in the West and represents the interests of western Canadians in national decision making.

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