Construction officially kicked off on the CVRD's largest infrastructure project to date at Comox Lake on October 30. The $126-million dollar project is needed to meet provincial guidelines and deliver safe drinking water to the 45,000 residents of City of Courtenay, Town of Comox and K’ómoks First Nation. The new system will draw water directly from Comox Lake, making the community’s drinking water independent of BC Hydro infrastructure. Visit our project page to learn more or watch our video.
The celebration event, held at the site of the future raw water pump station next to Comox Lake, opened with a ceremonial dance and remarks from Chief Nicole Rempel of the K’ómoks First Nation. KFN’s support for the water treatment project was first marked in September 2018, by the signing of a Mutual Benefit Agreement between the CVRD and KFN for collaborative management of water resources in the Comox Valley.

Water Committee Chair David Frisch, K’ómoks First Nation Chief Nicole Rempel and former CVRD Chair Bob Wells at the construction kick-off event.
AECON Water Infrastructure is handling the design-build of the new system, and construction of the water treatment plant is expected to be complete in spring 2021. The system has been planned to accommodate future community growth and will include new lake intake infrastructure, and lakeside pump station, over 7.5 km of pipelines and a water treatment facility with filtration, ultraviolet treatment and chlorination.
The cost for the new system is $126 million, which includes $34.3 million in federal grants and $28.5 in provincial grants. While reserves and grant funding will cover at least 77 per cent of total project costs, the CVRD must borrow up to $29 million to pay for the remaining share. Only those connected to the Comox Valley Water System will be responsible for paying for the new system at an average cost estimated at $86 per household per year.
An open house is being planned for early in 2020 to update the public on construction progress and design plans. In the meantime, stay up-to-date on construction progress by visiting our project page or Connect CVRD.