Vancouver Completing Trio of Major Sewer Upgrades

By Trenchless Technology Canada Staff August 13, 2026

As part of an $18 million investment, the City of Vancouver is completing three major sewer upgrade projects. The projects improve water quality, reduce flood risk and strengthen the resilience of the city’s sewer system.

The projects are part of 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. This works supports Vancouver’s growing population.

“We’re making strategic investments in the infrastructure that keeps Vancouver running,” says 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 m 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.

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Using innovative trenchless construction methods, crews were able to complete the work faster and minimize disruption. It also meant the park was able to stay open and the preservation of more than 20 mature trees. Project completion was in July 2026.

Shaughnessy Area Sewer Upgrades

The $7.3 million Shaughnessy area sewer upgrades separated 5.8 km of combined sewer pipe between West 26th Avenue and West 29th Avenue. The Expectation is that the new infrastructure will serve the neighbourhood for approximately 100 years while improving system capacity. Work 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. Project completion was in May 2026.

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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 aligns 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.

SOURCE – City of Vancouver

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