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About the Comox Valley Sewer Service Liquid Waste Management Plan

The Comox Valley Sewer Service, which treats wastewater, or raw sewage, from homes and businesses in Courtenay, Comox and K’ómoks First Nation, is developing a long term plan to identify the improvements required and engage the public in the creation of a future vision for the sewer system in these communities. Eight residents have been appointed to a Public Advisory Committee to represent their communities in the development of the plan and play an essential role in considering community goals and public feedback throughout the process.

On March 10, 2020 the Comox Valley Sewage Commission approved a shortlist of three options for the conveyance system (pipes and pump stations) that move wastewater from homes and business to the sewage treatment plant. These options are being considered in order to relocate a vulnerable section of sewer pipe that runs along Balmoral Beach, below the Willemar Bluffs. 

What's New

Public consultation on the Comox Valley Sewer Service LWMP is currently on hold while CVRD staff assess the best path forward for public engagement in light of the evolving  COVID-19 situation. We will provide an update once a plan forward is developed and approved. You can also visit our project portal to register and receive project updates, or view the video below to learn more.

Key Milestones

The CVRD has reached several important milestones in the liquid waste management planning process since the kick-off in early summer 2018:

  • June 2018: Public Engagement #1 to help determine community values around managing sewer services in Comox and Courtenay.
  • Oct. 2018: Public and Technical Advisory committee members are selected.
  • Nov. 2018: Public Engagement Session #2 to share and receive feedback on sewer planning goals/objectives drafted by the advisory committees.
  • Jan. 2019: Public Engagement Session #3 to share and receive feedback on the long list of options for conveyance, treatment and resource recovery.
  • Feb. 2019: Sewage Commission adopts the goals and objectives for the long-term plan. See the staff report here.
  • Mar. 2019: Sewage Commission accepts the long list of options for conveyance, treatment and resource recovery. See the staff report here.
  • Apr. 2019 – Dec. 2019: CVRD undertakes extensive technical review and First Nations consultation.  
  • Mar. 2020: Sewage Commission approves the short list of options for the service’s conveyance system and the shortlist goes to the community for their input. See the staff report here. 

Public Advisory Committee

Eight residents have been appointed to the Public Advisory Committee to represent their communities in the development of a Liquid Waste Management Plan for Courtenay and Comox:

  • Sheila Carey (Courtenay)
  • Kevin Niemi (Courtenay)
  • Tamera Servizi (Courtenay)
  • Ray Craig (Comox)
  • Donald Jacquest (Comox)
  • Kevan Van Velzen (Comox)
  • Jenny Steel (Area B)
  • Mary Lang (Area B)

These representatives from Comox, Courtenay and Area B, play an essential role in considering community goals and public opinion/feedback throughout the planning process. The Public Advisory Committee will be meeting regularly throughout the liquid waste management process. Click the menu below to view meeting minutes, presentations and related documents. For more information about the role of the committee, please see the Terms of Reference. 

Public Advisory Committee Meetings
What is a Liquid Waste Management Plan?

The liquid waste management plan process is used by local governments in BC to develop strategies for managing sewer services. It includes the collection/review of existing information, development of options for future services, identification of a preferred option, completion of required studies and assessments and development of financial and implementation plans. The plan is ultimately submitted to the provincial government for review and consideration for approval.

Public engagement is key to the planning process. Public input will be collected online and through public events, which will be posted on this page. Residents of Courtenay and Comox are encouraged to weigh in with feedback, to help the CVRD develop a plan that works best for the community.

What is the timeline?

Please visit Connect CVRD to see a detailed outline of the Liquid Waste Management Planning Process.

How can I get involved?

The CVRD team is actively engaging with the public for feedback at key steps in the planning process using tools such as facilitated feedback sessions, open houses and online consultation. Watch this page for details on how you can contribute.

Is this related to the Comox No. 2 Pump Station Project?

In October 2017, the Comox No. 2 Pump Station project, as it was proposed on Beech Street, was put on hold to allow for further review of alternative options. Key feedback from the community was that the Comox No. 2 conversation should be part of a broader planning process that looked at sewer management regionally. The plans for rerouting the at-risk pipe along Balmoral Beach (Willemar Bluffs) will now be a part of this liquid waste management planning process.

Visit background material on the Comox No. 2 Pump Station project.

Looking for more information?

Please click the link below to speak with a member of our project team or a public advisory committee representative.

Contact Us