The City of Castlegar is developing its Liquid Waste Management Plan, and it’s looking for input from community members.
The City’s Liquid Waste Management Plan (LWMP) will guide the management of wastewater and stormwater infrastructure for the next 20 years and addresses critical challenges such as aging infrastructure, environmental protection, and sustainable growth.
A media release from the City explains that the plan is a formal document approved by the BC Ministry of Environment and Parks that outlines how liquid waste—from household wastewater to stormwater runoff—is collected, treated, and returned to the environment in compliance with regulations and community needs.
The final plan will outline strategies to improve wastewater and stormwater systems, protect the Columbia River ecosystem, and create resilient infrastructure for the future.
“In the Kootenays and across British Columbia, municipalities are facing substantial costs as they implement liquid waste management plans to address aging infrastructure and growing environmental standards,” says Mayor Maria McFaddin.
“Recognizing that decisions made in the Liquid Waste Management Plan will have long-term cost implications for taxpayers, we’re starting conversations with the community early so we know what’s important to our residents.”
The City’s LWMP will identify best practices and possible solutions for:
• Aging Infrastructure: The City’s sewer and stormwater systems are decades old, and many components are nearing the end of their useful life. Replacing and upgrading these systems is critical to maintaining reliable service and avoiding costly failures.
• Odour and Capacity Issues: The South Sewage Treatment Plant frequently receives complaints about odours and operates near its capacity limits. The North Sewage Treatment Plant faces equipment challenges affecting treated water quality. Addressing these issues is essential for community enjoyment and compliance with environmental regulations.
• Environmental Protection: Wastewater is treated and returned to the Columbia River, which supports fish habitat and recreational activities. Improving treatment processes and effectively managing stormwater is vital to safeguarding this natural resource.
• Growth and Long-term Planning: With Castlegar’s population and economy growing, the City’s infrastructure must keep pace.
The LWMP will provide the City of Castlegar with a roadmap for accommodating increased demand while managing utility rates and ensuring long-term sustainability.
The LWMP is anticipated to take approximately two years and includes three stages:
• Stage 1: Identify challenges and potential solutions (current stage).
• Stage 2: Evaluate options and select the best solution.
• Stage 3: Finalize and implement the chosen plan.
As part of stage one, the City is gathering input from the community, Indigenous groups, Advisory and Steering Committees, and professional guidance from engineering consultants hired by the City to ensure the plan reflects local priorities while balancing environmental protection, sustainable infrastructure investments, and cost-effectiveness.
Residents are invited to learn more about the plan and provide feedback during this phase in a variety of ways, including two open houses and an online survey.
Open House Sessions
Two open house sessions are being held in February to provide residents with an overview of the LWMP process, including current challenges and solution options studied to date. Attendees can review information boards, speak directly with the project team, and share feedback.
The event schedule is as follows (light snacks and refreshments will be provided):
Open House #1
Tuesday, February 25, 2025
Selkirk Room – Community Complex at 2101 6th Avenue
Drop-in between 4 – 7 p.m.
Open House #2
Wednesday, February 26, 2025
Community Forum (in CBT Building) at 445 13 Avenue
Drop-in between 4 – 7 p.m.
Online Survey
Residents are also encouraged to complete a survey at castlegar.ca/lwmp.
The survey closes on March 2, 2025.
To learn more about the plan, click here.
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