Fresh, filtered and fully disinfected drinking water is now flowing to 50,000 residents in the Comox Valley – an achievement celebrated with an event at the Comox Valley Regional District’s new water treatment facility on Lake Trail Road.
“This is an exciting day for everyone in the Comox Valley who can now be confident that the Comox Valley Water Service is providing fresh, clean, reliable water to users – and will be able to do so for many decades to come,” says Wendy Morin, Chair of the Comox Valley Water Committee. “Despite the many challenges during construction in a global pandemic, this critical milestone has been achieved on time, and on budget.”
“The K’ómoks First Nation is proud to be here today with the CVRD to celebrate the completion of the water treatment facility. Clean drinking water is something we all take for granted, as many First Nations across Canada are struggling to have access to it in their communities, with as many as 100 boil water advisories in place at any given time,” said Chief Nicole Rempel. “K’ómoks First Nation and in fact all Valley residents, are fortunate to have this access and I applaud the Regional District for their commitment to providing clean, safe drinking water here in K’ómoks territory. The fact that all Valley residents can look forward to no more boil water notices is indeed something to celebrate.”
The new treatment plant meets provincial health standards and uses filtration, UV disinfection, and chlorination to remove the risks of viruses and bacteria in our drinking water. This technology eliminates the need for turbidity-related boil water notices and will provide a secure supply of reliable, high quality drinking water now and into the future.
“Comox Valley residents and the CVRD have a lot to be proud of with this sophisticated treatment plant,” said Charmaine Enns, Medical Health Officer for Comox Valley, Strathcona, North Island. “This is a significant step and investment in protecting individual and population health.”
Members of the project team and guests held a celebratory event attended by Chief Nicole Rempel of the K’ómoks First Nation, MLA Ronna-Rae Leonard, BC Hydro, Island Health, Courtenay and District Fish and Game Protective Association and other community group partners. Due to COVID-19 public health measures the event was by invitation only.
“This is an exciting day for people in the Comox Valley and a great achievement for everyone involved. The new treatment plant will help protect the health of our community and ensure a consistent supply of a critical resource,” said Ronna-Rae Leonard, Member of the Legislative Assembly for Courtenay-Comox on behalf of Josie Osborne, Minister of Municipal Affairs. “I have lived in the Comox Valley for over 25 years and am happy to say people on this beautiful part of Vancouver Island will now have a water system they can depend on, and one that will serve them for generations to come.”
The $126-million system was constructed by AECON Water Infrastructure and includes a new water intake in Comox Lake, lakeshore pump station, transmission lines and treatment plant.
Featured image: (L to R): Ronna Rae-Leonard (MLA Courtenay-Comox); Cole Diplock (Island Health); Mayor Bob Wells (Courtenay); Mayor Russ Arnott (Comox); Chief Nicole Rempel (K’ómoks First Nation); Chair Jesse Ketler (CVRD); Water Committee Chair Wendy Morin (CVRD). (Image: Comox Valley Regional District)
