Progress Report on BIG Project and Other Projects Under Way
PRINCE RUPERT, MAY 22nd, 2026 - The City of Prince Rupert is in one of the busiest construction seasons of our community’s history. In total, the City advanced approximately $39.5 million in capital work in 2025. Looking ahead, the proposed 2026 capital program reflects a significant increase in investment, with approximately $150 million in planned projects, each of which may take several years to complete. This includes a wide range of infrastructure, operational, and utility projects aimed at improving community services, strengthening long-term infrastructure reliability, and supporting future growth.
Below is an update on several key projects currently underway or recently completed across the community.
BIG Project Overview:
The BIG Project continues to progress into a more active delivery phase. As of early March 2026, approximately $31.9 million has been spent on the program.
While progress during the first two years was slower than initially anticipated, measures have now been implemented to accelerate delivery and recovery scheduling. The City expects more than $50 million in program expenditures over the course of 2026, with additional detailed updates on planned construction activities and timelines to be provided in future reports.
Water Infrastructure Updates:
- Chlorination Facility: Design for the facility is ongoing; procurement is planned to be finalized in the coming months.
- Water Treatment & Water Supply Planning: The City continues to advance several projects related to long-term water treatment and supply planning:
- Pilot technology selection work is underway for the future Water Treatment Facility, with implementation anticipated at Shawatlans in August 2026. This work will help determine preferred treatment technologies and facility requirements.
- The Water Supply Master Plan is also underway and will guide long-term planning related to treatment plant location and future water infrastructure needs.
- The Submarine / Overland Watermain Project continues to advance through design review and regulatory processes. DFO review work for the submarine line remains ongoing, while the Issued for Tender package for the submarine component is progressing.
Wastewater Infrastructure Updates:
- Outfall Projects: Several outfall-related projects continue to progress throughout the City, including:
- Outfall Repairs J to I construction in the Rushbrook area has been completed, with compliance submissions now finalized.
- Outfall Repairs C to B (next to Kwinitsa Station) is advancing through survey and geotechnical review work, with a construction RFP anticipated in spring 2026.
- Outfall K Modifications (in the area of Overlook Street) has completed concept design work, with the detailed design tender now posted on BC Bid.
- The City is also advancing Permanent Outfall Flow Monitoring infrastructure, with an RFP currently being prepared to support compliance requirements and improve long-term reporting and volume monitoring capabilities.
- Annual Sewer Replacement Program: The 2025 Sewer Replacement Program has been completed, including work on the 300 block of Crestview Drive, the 400 block of 9th Avenue West, Lisa Walters Drive, and the 100 block of 1st Street.
- Industrial Park Sewage Treatment Plant Upgrades: Wastewater characterization work is ongoing and will support the future design of a replacement treatment system for aging Industrial Park infrastructure.
- Omineca Avenue Wastewater Treatment Project: The City was unsuccessful in its recent grant application for the Omineca Avenue Wastewater Treatment Project. The project will remain on hold until future funding opportunities are secured.
- Moresby Wetland Treatment Project: The Moresby Wetland Treatment project advanced into construction in 2026, with work now underway on site. Weather-related delays earlier this spring impacted timelines; however, major site works are expected to continue throughout the current construction season.
- Hays Creek Sewer Infrastructure: Emergency repairs to the Hays Creek sanitary sewer main have been completed, with additional proactive repairs now being planned to address nearby sections approaching failure. Design work also continues for the Hays Creek Lift Station upgrade project, including preparation of the next-phase RFP to advance future construction work.
Landfill Projects:
- Wantage Road Landfill Closure: The City continues reviewing permit conditions and engineering requirements related to long-term closure planning for the Wantage Road landfill site, at the base of Mt Hays.
- Landfill Lagoon & Priority Upgrades: Major works at the Ridley Island Landfill Lagoon project are underway following award of the contract to Broadwater. The treatment system contract is currently under final review.
Additional Operations Projects:
- New Public Works Building: Renovations and upgrades at the Chamberlin Road facility continue to progress. Existing building renovations have been completed, and Engineering Department staff, along with Utility Operations personnel, have transitioned into the facility. Exterior cladding and interior drywall work are nearing completion, with the project anticipated to conclude in Summer of 2026.
- 3rd/4th West Stair Replacement: The contract for construction was awarded and the project is now under construction. Seasonal weather initially delayed progress, with work now proceeding with improvement in conditions.
- Park & Community Space Renewals: Several park and community improvement projects continue to move through planning and design phases across the City:
- Eidsvik Park Renewal remains dependent on additional grant funding, while community fundraising efforts continue.
- Mariners Park Memorial Plaza and the Mariners Park Japanese Memorial are currently undergoing design revisions in collaboration with the project architect to align with available budgets.
- Mariners Park Resurfacing remains in the early planning stages, with scheduling to be determined.
- 2nd Avenue Bridge Repairs: The construction contract for the 2nd Avenue pedestrian bridge repairs has been awarded to Surespan and materials have been ordered. Procurement timelines are currently estimated at approximately eight weeks, with major construction anticipated to begin in early June 2026.
- Sidewalk Program: The 2025 Sidewalk Program has been completed, and planning work for the 2026 program is now underway. Design development is progressing for future sidewalk rehabilitation work, including improvements near 2nd Street and Stiles Place, the 3rd Street intersection, and surrounding sidewalk areas as part of the City’s broader curb and sidewalk renewal initiatives.
The City thanks the community’s patience with ongoing construction work and associated impacts like road closures and temporary service disruptions while we move forward in this time of unprecedented renewal.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Veronika Stewart, Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development
Office: (250) 627 0976
Cell: (778) 884 6285
Email: veronika.stewart@princerupert.ca