Saanich is seeking financial support from the feds for much-needed sewer station upgrades to accommodate an ever-increasing population.
Saanich council requested a grant application to the Canada Housing Infrastructure Fund’s (CHIF) for up to 40 per cent of the eligible costs for the Brett Sewer Lift Station and Forcemain Upgrade Project.
The sewer station is located at the west end of Brett Avenue within the roadway and adjacent to the Lochside Regional Trail.
Originally built in 1960 and replaced in 1994, the station currently operates at approximately 98 per cent capacity and serves around 3,605 residents.
Due to the anticipated number of housing units and overall population growth within the lift station’s service area, infrastructure upgrades will be needed to accommodate the projected rise in wastewater flow, noted the staff report
The CHIF is a $6-billion program designed to support infrastructure projects that enable housing development. Saanich estimated the total cost of the project to be $3.2 million.
If approved, the federal grant would contribute approximately $1.3 million – 40 per cent of the budget – while Saanich would pay the remaining $1.9 million.
The district plans to begin detailed design work in 2026, with construction expected to start in mid-2027 and take about a year and a half to complete.
