Type(s)
News Release
Progress Report on BIG Project and Other Projects Under Way
PRINCE RUPERT, DECEMBER 19th, 2025 – Prince Rupert has never had more renewal and infrastructure work occurring in our community, and we know that the community is looking for updates on different projects and their associated impacts. Below is a comprehensive update on the major works and infrastructure challenges the City is currently in the process of addressing.
- Boil Water Notice Removed: The City’s Boil Water Notice has now been removed following correction to construction impacts and multiple rounds of clear testing. At the same time, the City is exploring longer-term solutions to improve water quality and reliability for the community. In the 2026 Budget, Council approved additional funding for an additional chlorination injection site to be installed on Kaien Island to enhance water quality while we work to achieve the funding required to implement multiple barriers of treatment. We appreciate the community’s patience as we continue to work through these issues and are committed to providing updates as progress is made.
- 2nd Avenue Bridge: The 2nd Avenue Bridge is likely to remain open to single lane traffic only over the next few months while designs and upgrades are completed. Designs are complete and the project is being tendered for construction. This is due to the unplanned nature of the closure. A condition assessment revealed structural deficiencies in the pedestrian canti-levered walkway. To enable the bridge to remain open for pedestrian access, the City’s only option was to open the single lane alternating traffic and keep one lane for pedestrians. Design work to reopen the bridge is under way, to be followed by tendering for construction in the new year. Updates will be provided as this project progresses, and we appreciate the community’s continued patience.
- 3rd/4th Avenue Staircase replacement: The contract for this project has been awarded, with construction to begin December 2025 with the removal of the structure, and replacement of the stairs to follow in 2026.
- Ambrose Staircase replacement: The existing staircase was closed and is being removed following evaluation due to safety concerns. Full replacement of the staircase has been awarded to Broadwater Industries and is anticipated to be completed by February of 2026.
- Park Avenue Wastewater Wetland Treatment Start: This project has been awarded to Spur Construction with equipment ordered and anticipated construction start in January of 2026. Construction will have some minor impacts to pedestrian access to the Moresby Pond trail and area from Park Avenue. This is the first implementation of wastewater treatment in the community as we move towards implementing treatment. Additional information on that project is here.
- Public Works Building: Renovations are now at substantial completion, with a portion of staff taking occupancy in January of 2026. The additional building, to be used for purpose-built office and lunchroom building space, is 20% complete with initial framing complete, and occupancy now anticipated for September of 2026.
- Rushbrook Outfall Rerouting Project: This project is now 95% complete and included consolidating wastewater flows from Outfall J into the existing Outfall I system, improving environmental management in the area.
- Additional Outfall Repairs and Modifications: Design work on a number of outfalls is currently in the design process as we look to consolidate our sewer outfalls and move the community closer to mandated sewer treatment goals. Once these projects move into construction phase, the community will be notified about potential impacts, in a similar way to the updates regarding the Rushbrook Outfall project.
- Treatment of Leachate at our Landfill: As our landfill is located adjacent to the ocean, the City is undertaking a number of upgrades to the treatment of leachate coming from our landfill. This includes the development of a mobile treatment unit. Construction on this has now begun, and works are about 45% complete, anticipating to be completed in 2026.
- Mariners Memorial Plaza Renewal Project: Designs for this project were completed in 2025 and presented to Council. A tender for the project closed in early December, and the City anticipates awarding the contract for construction early in 2026. Construction will occur over the Spring/Summer, with all works anticipated to be complete in Fall.
BIG Project Update
The BIG Project is our major push to replace critical areas of failing water and sewer mains throughout the community. For a brief update on what is currently under way, and plans for the future, see below.
- 9th Avenue West and Lisa Walters Drive: Replacement of the water main in this area is currently under construction, with anticipated completion early in 2026.
- 11th Avenue East (Also including sections of Victoria St, Prince Rupert Blvd and Conrad St): This work began in November 2025 and is anticipated to be completed in the Summer of 2026. This work will replace the water line coming down from our reservoir at Montreal Circle and down towards 11th Avenue East until Alfred Street.
- Frederick Street/Prince Rupert Blvd: The first phase of this work is now completed, and repaving has been completed with the roadway open as of December 19th. Note that due to additional works, the roadway has not been complete to full curbed standard, which will follow future works. The City will need to complete additional design and construction works on the complex valving of that area, so anticipates an additional more minor closure in the future to fully complete this replacement.
- Designs of new areas under way: The City has hired WSP to conduct additional design work for “Phase 2” of the BIG Project. (You may have seen notifications from the City regarding exploratory drilling related to this work). Additional areas that are anticipated to go to tender for construction to start in 2026/2027 are the downtown alleyway between 2nd Ave and 3rd Ave and between 4th St and Park Ave, 2nd Ave Wes, 6th Ave Wes, 7th Ave East, 6th Ave East, 11th Ave East (after Alfred Street). Prior to construction start, additional notifications will be provided in impacted neighbourhoods.
Want to know more? The full update on Major Projects is posted in the Agenda Package of our December 8th meeting, and includes additional projects. Check it out, here.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Veronika Stewart, Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development
Office: (250) 627 0976
Cell: (778) 884 6285
Email: veronika.stewart@princerupert.ca