Water South Extension Project

The project provides a number of benefits to each of the project partners, including:

• The Royston Water Local Service Area (WLSA) currently receives water from the Village of Cumberland through a Water Supply Agreement. Per the agreement, the CVRD is required to find an alternate source for Royston as growth in the Village continues to rise which is increasing water demands.
• The CVRD committed to extend water services to KFN Treaty Lands in the south region as part of the Mutual Benefit Agreement (MBA) between the CVRD and K’ómoks First Nation, drafted for the Comox Valley Water Treatment Project. The MBA was instrumental in receiving the grant funding for this project.
• Additional connections and bulk water supply locations for the City of Courtenay helps to improve fire flows and servicing for development in South Courtenay.

The WSEP will include the installation of a water transmission line, pump station, and related infrastructure such as valves and meters.

The project is proposed as a partnership between K’ómoks First Nation, City of Courtenay and the CVRD, with new infrastructure to be paid for by these partners and owned by the Comox Valley Water Service. This partnership offers significant cost effectiveness for Royston property owners, with a portion of a $7.4 million grant for the project will be applied specifically to Royston's share.

Costs for Royston residents have been incorporated into the rates developed during the Comprehensive Rate Review for the Water Local Service Areas completed in 2023/2024. The only additional cost for participation in the WSEP and conversion to the regional water source will be an annual parcel tax of approximately $450/property from 2027 to 2036 for repayment of the capital improvement cost charge (CICC) to the Comox Valley Water System for joining that system.

The project is still in preliminary planning stages, and there are a number of project agreements and approvals required before detailed design, procurement and construction can proceed. Below is the current proposed roadmap:

The CVRD is committed to engaging with Royston residents to ensure they are informed about the project, including costs and schedule.

Contact Us!

• Staff Report: Water South Extension Project Road Map (April 13, 2023)
• Project Route Map