Surrey council opposes Metro Vancouver move to a single sewerage area

Surrey council has directed City Hall staff to investigate Metro Vancouver’s legal authority to replace the Fraser, Vancouver, North Shore and Lulu sewerage areas with a single sewerage area. Council approved Mayor Brenda Locke’s motion on Sept. 21, citing concern about the potential effect on Surrey.

Locke said the significant costs of the North Shore and Iona wastewater treatment plants could be shifted unfairly to Surrey ratepayers, particularly given Surrey’s past contributions and earlier concerns about impacts on the Fraser sewerage area. “It is truly concerning,” she said.

Coun. Pardeep Kooner said the change would have a significant impact on Surrey residents and that council needs the information before allowing Metro Vancouver to proceed. Coun. Doug Elford supported the motion, saying the proposal could cost Surrey taxpayers substantially and raised fairness concerns.

Metro Vancouver’s Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District board has instructed staff to explore options for a single regional sewerage rate structure through a managed, phased transition that recognizes impacts on member jurisdictions and ratepayers. Staff are expected to report back to the board early next year.