Hastings-Sunrise sewer renewal and Green Rainwater Infrastructure project

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  Combined sewer overflows (CSOs) explained

  Some parts of Vancouver use a combined pipe system that carries sewage and excess rainfall in the same pipe.

  During heavy rains, these pipes can become overwhelmed resulting in combined volumes of rainwater and sewage spilling into receiving waters like Burrard Inlet. These overflows reduce water quality and contribute to swim advisories on beaches.

  This project will help reduce contributions to overflows at the Cassiar outfall, Vancouver’s second-highest CSO location.

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  Project outcomes

  • Renew 4.5 kilometers of combined sewers with separated sewers that increase the capacity for heavier rainfall and eliminate CSOs by conveying rainfall and sewage through separate pipes
  • Install approximately 16 new green rainwater infrastructure features that use plants, trees, and soil to absorb and filter pollutants from rainwater, as well as approximately 28 drywells, all of which will assist with reducing the volume that enters our sewage pipes, and protecting water quality in nearby waterways.
  • Reduce infrastructure management costs by using green rainwater infrastructure which is typically cheaper to implement and maintain than grey infrastructure like pipes
  • Protect public and environmental health by reducing the contribution of CSOs to the Cassiar outfall, Vancouver's second-highest CSO location 
  • Increase pedestrian safety with road improvements in areas adjacent to wək̓ʷan̓əs tə syaqʷəm Elementary School (previously Sir Matthew Begbie) in phase 1, and adjacent to Sunrise Park in phase 3 
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  Project features

  • Sewer renewal to adapt the neighbourhood drainage system for growth needs and  heavier rainfall from climate change
  • Green rainwater curb bulges that combine traffic calming measures and add green space
  • Dry wells to collect and disperse unwanted water from rainstorms and runoff and allow it to slowly seep into the ground
  • Curb bulges to narrow curbs at intersections encouraging vehicles to slow down and reducing crossing distance for pedestrians
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  Project location

  This is a three-phased project that will span different neighbourhoods with different traffic impacts for each phase. Watch for local signage and notification letters to learn about how each phase may affect you.

How this project may affect you

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  Work hours

  Construction will generally take place Monday to Friday, from 7am to 5pm and on weekends as needed.

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  Parking and traffic

  Construction impacts will be phased as work activities move from block to block.

  Expect full block closures for parking and vehicle traffic.

  Watch for signage changes as work progresses.

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  Pedestrian and cyclist access

  Walking and cycling access will be retained where possible and detours will be in place when needed

  Watch for signage for temporary changes to pedestrian and cyclist access.

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  Noise and vibration

  The use of heavy equipment will temporarily increase noise levels in the area. Some dust and vibration are to be expected due to the nature of the work.

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  Street restoration

  Temporary street restoration measures will be implemented as work advances from one block to the next.

  Permanent street restoration will occur throughout the project when the weather is favourable to complete the work.

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  Water service impacts

  We will provide advanced notice of any disruption to your water service, except in the case of an emergency.

  Contact us if you experience cloudy water or have concerns related to your drinking water quality

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  Key plans

  Integrated Liquid Waste and Resource Management Plan (May 2010) PDF file (2 MB) 

  Integrated Rainwater Management Plan

  Rain City Strategy