City delivers major sewer infrastructure upgrades across Vancouver
The City of Vancouver is completing three major sewer upgrade projects as part of an $18 million investment in essential infrastructure to improve water quality, reduce flood risk and strengthen the resilience of the city's sewer system for generations to come.
Delivered under the 2023-2026 Capital Plan, the sewer upgrades replace aging pipes, that carried both sewage and rainwater, with two separate systems. Sewer separation helps protect local waterways, reduces the risk of street-level flooding and increases system capacity to support Vancouver’s growing population.
“We’re making strategic investments in the infrastructure that keeps Vancouver running,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “While much of this infrastructure is out of sight, it plays an essential role in people’s daily lives. These projects are an investment in a stronger, more resilient Vancouver.”
Memorial West trenchless sewer upgrades
Memorial West trenchless sewer upgrades, valued at $7.5 million, included installing 400 metres of storm and sanitary pipes underneath Highbury Street between West 31st Avenue and the laneway south of West 33rd Avenue, as well as large sections beneath Memorial West Park. Using innovative trenchless construction methods, crews were able to complete the work faster and minimize disruption, keeping the park open and preserving more than 20 mature trees. The project was completed in July 2026.
Shaughnessy area sewer upgrades
The $7.3 million Shaughnessy area sewer upgrades separated 5.8 kilometres of combined sewer pipe between West 26th Avenue and West 29th Avenue. The new infrastructure is expected to serve the neighbourhood for approximately 100 years while improving system capacity. The project also includes new curbs and street repaving to improve accessibility and create safer streets for everyone. Construction is anticipated to be completed in early September.
East 35th Avenue sewer upgrades
The $3.3 million East 35th Avenue sewer upgrades separated 135 metres of aging sewer pipe between Main Street and Quebec Street. The project also included new curbs and street repaving to create a smoother, safer experience for people walking, biking and rolling. The project was completed in May 2026.
Together, these three sewer separation projects are helping modernize Vancouver's sewer system while protecting local waterways, supporting growing neighbourhoods and improving the reliability of essential infrastructure for decades to come.
This work is aligned with the City’s Healthy Waters Plan, Vancouver’s strategy to protect local waterways from pollution, address climate change, and upgrade aging sewer and drainage infrastructure to support our growing city. The City will provide updates as additional infrastructure projects move forward.