Metro Vancouver councillors ask premier to reject Richmond liquid waste plan

Councillors from five Metro Vancouver cities are urging the premier to reject a liquid waste management plan, citing concerns over insufficient consultation with local councils. Richmond Coun. Kash Heed pointed to the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant's cost overruns, which escalated from an initial $700 million estimate to over $3. 8 billion, as evidence of the flawed decision-making process. He criticized the current approach as undemocratic and called for a return to previous practices that involved local councils in decision-making.

Metro Vancouver Board Chair Mike Hurley defended the plan, stating it is necessary under provincial legislation and does not require individual council endorsements. He noted that the plan was developed with input from member jurisdictions, First Nations, and the public over the past four years. Hurley highlighted that the new plan addresses increasing demands on wastewater infrastructure while aiming to protect public health and the environment. The Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District Board unanimously approved the plan for submission to the provincial government on Oct. 31, stressing the need for updated management strategies.

The ongoing debate underscores tensions between local governance and regional planning efforts in Metro Vancouver.