The BIG Project

The Big Infrastructure Gap (BIG) project is the City of Prince Rupert's plan to upgrade and replace the most critical of our aged water and sewer infrastructure. A significant proportion of our system is beyond its usable life, as evidenced by near constant failures in water distribution lines that have been increasing in frequency over the past few years. Simply put, without this work, there is a risk of failure of our water supply, and by virtue of that, potentially our community.

By replacing deteriorating water and sewer mains, valves, and associated components, the project will bring us back from potential failure of our system. It will enable us to redirect water and sewer spending that is currently exhausted every year by emergency repairs back where it belongs - into planned capital replacements. What we're looking to accomplish is essentially a hard reset of our water and sewer distribution system, and the majority of the necessary funding now in place, we're well on our way to accomplishing this goal.

This is a significant generational investment into our infrastructure that will help to secure it for years to come. It will improve the reliability of service delivery, enhance water quality, and minimize future disruptions in our distribution system.

So how is the BIG project going to look in practice?

The project will be divided into corridors, focusing on areas with a high-likelihood and consequence of failure first.

As noted above, there are significant areas (26 km total) that have been identified as priorities for replacement. Given the volume of work needed to be done as well as design work needed, the schedule for work may be variable. The City and our contractors will be providing as much notice as possible to impacted neighbourhood residents, with individual household notices, site signage and online updates to be provided. Please note that although this map identifies all areas that are priority for replacement, not all areas on this map may be replaced during the current construction schedule. That said, the intent of the City and our funders is to achieve as much of this replacement as possible. As the project continues, this webpage and associated communication materials will showcase the upcoming corridors and relevant project information.

Current Road Closures

Stay informed about traffic disruptions caused by the municipal water infrastructure replacement project through our comprehensive table below. We are doing our best to minimize disruptions while keeping you informed about the traffic management measures in place.

Status	Road Closed	Description	Expected Timeline	Detours
In Progress	Shawatlans Rd from Fredrick St, 700m east until the service access road	Road will be fully closed, no access points to be obstructed	Planned Completion in October, 2024	Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes via Yellowhead Highway 16
Starting November 6th	Prince Rupert Blvd and Frederick Street (road leading to Industrial site road and Highway exit)	Road will be full closed, with local traffic access only	Planned completion in Summer 2025	Drivers to take alternate routes to access Highway 16 via Prince Rupert Blvd

Upcoming Road Closures

Year One Corridors, where future road closures can be expected, are listed below with works anticipated in the Fall/Winter of 2024/2025:

Prince Rupert Blvd/Frederick Street
Back half of Crestview
Conrad and Victoria Street
11th Avenue
Alfred and Bacon Street
Areas of Hays Cove Ave
And areas of 10th, 9th, 8th and 7th

How do I best prepare my household?

Preparing your household for the water asset replacement project requires careful planning and organization to minimize disruptions and ensure a smooth transition. Here are some steps you can take to prepare:

Stay informed: Keep yourself updated about the waterline replacement project by regularly checking official notices or reaching out to the project communication officer using the provided contact information. Stay informed about the timeline, schedule, and any specific instructions provided.
Understand the scope of work: Gain a clear understanding of the scope of the waterline replacement project in terms of the water shutoff valve. Know which areas of your property might be affected, such as the front yard, driveway, or backyard.
Evaluate Household Infrastructure: If your home has older or damaged infrastructure, there's a potential for pipe bursts or connectivity issues during the installation of the new line; if you're worried about the functionality of your household pipes, it's strongly advised to contact a local plumber for an inspection.
Secure valuables: If any construction work is expected near your property, remove or secure any valuable or delicate items in your yard, such as lawn furniture, potted plants, or decorations. This will protect them from potential damage during the construction process.
Clear access points: Ensure that the contractors have clear access to the areas where the waterline replacement will take place. Remove any obstacles, such as debris, vehicles, or equipment that might hinder their work. Notices provided to households will also request this.
Adjust water usage: In the days leading up to the waterline replacement, consider adjusting your water usage habits. Minimize excessive water consumption, avoid running sprinklers or filling pools, and postpone any non-essential activities that require a significant amount of water.
Follow instructions: Follow any instructions provided by the city or contractors regarding the shutdown of water supply or any other specific guidelines. This will help ensure your safety and the smooth progress of the project.
Communicate: If you have any concerns or specific requirements during the waterline replacement, communicate them to the contractors or city authorities with the contact information provided. They may be able to provide additional guidance or assistance.

This project is supported through grant funds from the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada.

So how is the BIG project going to look in practice?

The project will be divided into corridors, focusing on areas with a high-likelihood and consequence of failure first.

Current Road Closures

Status	Road Closed	Description	Expected Timeline	Detours
In Progress	Shawatlans Rd from Fredrick St, 700m east until the service access road	Road will be fully closed, no access points to be obstructed	Planned Completion in October, 2024	Drivers are encouraged to use alternate routes via Yellowhead Highway 16
Starting November 6th	Prince Rupert Blvd and Frederick Street (road leading to Industrial site road and Highway exit)	Road will be full closed, with local traffic access only	Planned completion in Summer 2025	Drivers to take alternate routes to access Highway 16 via Prince Rupert Blvd

Upcoming Road Closures

Year One Corridors, where future road closures can be expected, are listed below with works anticipated in the Fall/Winter of 2024/2025:

Prince Rupert Blvd/Frederick Street
Back half of Crestview
Conrad and Victoria Street
11th Avenue
Alfred and Bacon Street
Areas of Hays Cove Ave
And areas of 10th, 9th, 8th and 7th

How do I best prepare my household?

Stay informed: Keep yourself updated about the waterline replacement project by regularly checking official notices or reaching out to the project communication officer using the provided contact information. Stay informed about the timeline, schedule, and any specific instructions provided.
Understand the scope of work: Gain a clear understanding of the scope of the waterline replacement project in terms of the water shutoff valve. Know which areas of your property might be affected, such as the front yard, driveway, or backyard.
Evaluate Household Infrastructure: If your home has older or damaged infrastructure, there's a potential for pipe bursts or connectivity issues during the installation of the new line; if you're worried about the functionality of your household pipes, it's strongly advised to contact a local plumber for an inspection.
Secure valuables: If any construction work is expected near your property, remove or secure any valuable or delicate items in your yard, such as lawn furniture, potted plants, or decorations. This will protect them from potential damage during the construction process.
Clear access points: Ensure that the contractors have clear access to the areas where the waterline replacement will take place. Remove any obstacles, such as debris, vehicles, or equipment that might hinder their work. Notices provided to households will also request this.
Adjust water usage: In the days leading up to the waterline replacement, consider adjusting your water usage habits. Minimize excessive water consumption, avoid running sprinklers or filling pools, and postpone any non-essential activities that require a significant amount of water.
Follow instructions: Follow any instructions provided by the city or contractors regarding the shutdown of water supply or any other specific guidelines. This will help ensure your safety and the smooth progress of the project.
Communicate: If you have any concerns or specific requirements during the waterline replacement, communicate them to the contractors or city authorities with the contact information provided. They may be able to provide additional guidance or assistance.

This project is supported through grant funds from the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada.

Notice of Long Term Road Closure at Frederick St and Prince Rupert Blvd

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Please be advised that starting November 6th, there will be a planned, long term closure of the road and sidewalk in the attached map, with access for local traffic only. Access to Maverick Mart will be on 11th Avenue. The restriction to local traffic in the area between Frederick and Applewhaite is to acknowledge the limited turnaround space available for larger vehicles. No pedestrian access is permitted due to safety concerns, and so pedestrians who use this thoroughfare are asked to consider alternative routes via Prince Rupert Blvd and Portage Road.

This closure is anticipated to last until summer of 2025 and is to enable the replacement of the critical water main that runs beneath the roadway and realignment of major utilities that are also in the area. For additional information on the overall BIG project to replace water and sewer infrastructure which this is connected to, go to engage.princerupert.ca/BIG

We appreciate the community's patience while these critical repairs are conducted.
City Provides First Year Plans for Construction on Water and Sewer Lines

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Major Replacement Project Coined Big Infrastructure Gap (BIG) Project
PRINCE RUPERT, MAY 15^th, 2024- With funding now secured and the first area of work mapped out, the City has BIG plans for water and sewer infrastructure coming down the pipe over the next few years. At last Monday’s Council meeting, staff provided a presentation to Council of the proposed corridors slated for major water and sewer line replacements in the first year of construction.
“It’s exciting to finally be able to see and share the map of the first areas to undergo major replacement,” said Mayor Herb Pond. “Staff are still in the design phase for residential areas. Once the actual construction starts, neighbourhood level signage will be placed. In addition, you can expect notices with details about what this means for residents. There is also a dedicated webpage that is worth checking out. It has more information on the project.”
These corridors were prioritized based on their highest risk and likelihood of failure based on the known age and condition of infrastructure in the area. Below are the approximate locations of the year 1 corridors. The City aims to address:
- Shawatlan Road – which is in progress
- Back half of Crestview
- Conrad and Victoria Street
- 11th Avenue
- Alfred and Bacon Street
- Areas of Hays Cove Ave
- And areas of 10th, 9th, 8th and 7th
Here is the map showing their location. Please note that during the design phase of this project, there may be slight adjustments based on new information received during planning and potentials to achieve efficiencies.
Residents in impacted areas are encouraged to head to our information page, launched this week, which provides additional background and answers a number of questions that residents may have about the impacts of construction. That information can be found, here: https://engage.princerupert.ca/big.
Although disruptive in the short term, this project is a significant generational investment into infrastructure in the prescribed areas. It will improve the reliability of service delivery, enhance water quality and minimize future disruptions in our distribution system.
BACKGROUND
The Big Infrastructure Gap (BIG) project is the City of Prince Rupert's plan to upgrade and replace the most critical of our aged water and sewer infrastructure. There are significant areas (26 km total) that have been identified as priorities for replacement. Given the volume of work needed to be done as well as design work needed, the schedule for work may be variable.
If you are curious about whether your street will be impacted, you can check out the "Map of High Risk/Likelihood of Failure Water Mains" document on the project website to see if your street is among those slated for major replacement work. Please note that although this map identifies all areas that are priority for replacement, not all areas on this map may be replaced during the current construction schedule. As the project continues, this webpage and associated communication materials will showcase the upcoming corridors and relevant project information.
The BIG Project will provide inter-generational benefits to our community. By upgrading our aging infrastructure, we aim to provide the following improvements:
- A generational investment into our failing infrastructure that will safeguard the water supply system from potential future failure
- Reliability and improved efficiency in delivering clean drinking water to Prince Rupert’s residents and business's
- Economic growth through the creation of employment opportunities and local construction capacity
- Additional resilience to our water system, improving emergency preparedness, protecting the water system against natural disasters
This project is supported through grant funds from the Province of British Columbia and the Government of Canada, as well as municipal borrowing.
MEDIA CONTACT:
Veronika Stewart, Manager of Communications, Engagement and Social Development
Office: (250) 627 0976
Cell: (778) 884 6285
Email: veronika.stewart@princerupert.ca
Update on Traffic Disruptions During Investigations

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Between June 28th - July 5th from 7 am to 5 pm contractors working for the City will be on site in the areas of 11th Avenue East, Conrad Street and Crestview while work is being conducted on underground utility exploration. These areas will have single lane alternating traffic with flaggers on site, so please plan for some traffic delays when heading through these spots. Thank you for your patience.

Why is this happening? This is part of a major undertaking to renew failing water and sewer infrastructure - an investment that will be critical to securing our community for future generations. Learn more about this BIG project to renew our water and sewer infrastructure, here: https://engage.princerupert.ca/big
Prince Rupert receives funding to help upgrade water system and improve sewer line

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See Original Federal Release Below
Victoria, British Columbia, March 7, 2024 — The port city of Prince Rupert is getting critical upgrades to its aging water distribution system and sewer line after a federal investment of $77.2 million through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF).
Announced by Minister Soraya Martinez Ferrada and Mayor Herb Pond, this project will address critical concerns with the City’s water distribution infrastructure, increase its resilience to seismic events, and modernize its century-old sewage pipes.
Federal funding will support the modernization of the water and wastewater infrastructure to increase the City’s resilience to natural hazards and their impact. Once completed, it will also help secure the water supply and sewer pipe systems to protect community members’ livelihoods, essential services, and local businesses, and minimize disruptions to the flow of global trade and supply chains through the Port of Prince Rupert. Home to Canada’s third largest port, Prince Rupert is a gateway to Asia’s markets, which contributes significantly to the northern provincial and national economy.
With a high proportion of pipes installed in the early 1900s, Prince Rupert’s water distribution network requires major updates. Funding will support upgrades to 26 km of high priority watermains and the separation of the combined sewer system to divide storm water from sewage. Work will include excavation, stabilization of the soil, the installation of new PVC piping, and upgrading catchments. This announcement furthers a provincial investment of $65 million from March 2023 towards the critical water infrastructure renewal.
Making adaptation investments now will have major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for natural disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits.
Quotes
“Prioritizing resiliency against natural disasters is at the heart of projects like this one and more important than ever, in the face of increasing forest fires, floods, and other extreme events in B.C. Improving Prince Rupert’s water and wastewater infrastructure will strengthen resilience against seismic events and protect livelihoods, and the community’s national importance as a growing port city and gateway to global markets and trade.”
The Honourable Soraya Martinez Ferrada, Minister of Tourism and Minister responsible for the Economic Development Agency of Canada for the Regions of Quebec and Member of Parliament for Hochelaga – on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“We are transforming Prince Rupert into one of Canada’s most important gateway cities; securing a trade corridor that boosts communities right across Canada. But we can’t do it alone. It’s why this unprecedented investment by our Federal partners is so meaningful. Their commitment to growing economic opportunities across the corridor remains steadfast. We are grateful to be part of it.”
His Worship Herb Pond, Mayor of Prince Rupert
"Communities must be able to rely on their water pipes and sewer systems. Together with the City of Prince Rupert and the federal government, we're upgrading the water and sewer systems in Prince Rupert to ensure people have reliable drinking water and essential water services for years to come."
The Honourable Minister Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs, Province of BC
“The Government of Canada’s investment signifies a collective commitment to ensure the health and vitality of the community that enables the strength and sustainability of the Port of Prince Rupert. As we grow and diversify, we can rely on the resiliency of the municipal infrastructure that supports our local port workforce and continue to anchor our role as a critical trade gateway for Canada.”
Shaun Stevenson, President and Chief Executive Officer, Prince Rupert Port Authority
Quick facts
- The federal government is investing $77.2 million in this project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF), while the municipality is contributing $50.8 million. The provincial government announced $65 million in funding on March 17, 2023.
- Since 2018, the federal government has committed over $3.8 billion to the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. As part of the Adaptation Action Plan, released alongside the National Adaptation Strategy, the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund received an additional $489.1 million in funding.
- To date, over $2.41 billion has been announced for 92 infrastructure projects across the country that help communities better prepare for, and withstand, the potential impacts of natural disasters, prevent infrastructure failures, and help keep Canadians safe.
- Eligible recipients include municipalities, local governments, provinces and territories, public sector bodies, Indigenous organizations, not-for-profit, and for-profit organizations in partnership with other eligible applicants outside the private sector. Projects must have a minimum of $1 million in total eligible costs to be considered eligible.
- On November 24, 2022, the federal government released Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy. It commits $1.6 billion in new federal funding to help address both immediate and future climate risks to Canadian communities.
- Federal funding is conditional on fulfilling all requirements related to consultation with Indigenous groups.
- Federal funding is conditional on the signing of funding/contribution agreements.
Associated links
Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/dmaf-faac/index-eng.html ;
Canada’s National Adaptation Strategy

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/cli…;
Strengthened Climate Plan

https://www.canada.ca/en/services/environment/weather/climatechange/cli…;
Housing and Infrastructure Project Map

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html ;
Federal infrastructure investments in British Columbia

https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/prog-proj-bc-eng.html
Contacts
For more information (media only), please contact:
Micaal Ahmed

Communications Manager

Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

343-598-3920

micaal.ahmed@infc.gc.ca
Media Relations

Infrastructure Canada

613-960-9251

Toll free: 1-877-250-7154

Email: media-medias@infc.gc.ca

Follow us on Twitter, Facebook, Instagram and LinkedIn

Web: Infrastructure Canada
Veronika Stewart

Manager of Communications

City of Prince Rupert

778-884-6285

veronika.stewart@princerupert.ca
Want to know more about what this announcement means for Prince Rupert? Check out this video from Mayor Pond that provides some additional local context for residents.
Upgrades Secure Drinking Water System in Prince Rupert

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(Provincial Release - also available on their website(External link))

PRINCE RUPERT -- The Province is providing $65 million to the City of Prince Rupert to replace crucial sections of its aging water-distribution system to ensure reliable water service for the community.

The importance of reliable drinking-water delivery cannot be overstated. We saw first-hand the critical need for this funding last December when the city issued a state of emergency due to water-distribution concerns," said Premier David Eby. "Crews worked tirelessly to keep potable water flowing to homes during the holiday season, and I want to thank them for their efforts. Together we are working to support the people of Prince Rupert, replacing aging infrastructure and ensuring that this valuable resource is available now and in the future."

Prince Rupert's water-distribution system is undergoing an increasing number of water-main and service-line failures, including the major line break on Dec. 15, 2022, which threatened the water supply for the community, which is home to Canada's third-largest port.

"We know that old infrastructure can cause both public-safety and economic issues within communities," said Anne Kang, Minister of Municipal Affairs. "Working together, this funding will help support the health and safety of the community, and ensure people have access to the services they rely on."

Prince Rupert's water-distribution system delivers drinkable water to approximately 14,000 people and is a crucial community service, supporting the continued sustainability of the Port of Prince Rupert. The port and B.C.'s northern trade corridor provides vital trade capacity and resiliency for provincial and national supply chains. The Port of Prince Rupert ships more than $50 billion worth of exports and imports every year, and provides economic and employment benefits in Prince Rupert and throughout B.C.

This funding, through the provincial Critical Community Infrastructure fund, is in addition to the $1-billion Growing Communities Fund, which was provided to all 188 B.C. municipalities and regional districts to support their unique infrastructure and amenities needs.

Quotes:

Jennifer Rice, MLA for North Coast –

“The health of my community is paramount. This investment will ensure up-to-date water-distribution services that are integral to the well-being of Prince Rupert's people. Our government is committed to supporting communities to create opportunities for them to build the public infrastructure they urgently need.”

Herb Pond, mayor of Prince Rupert –

“Our community is thrilled to see this level of commitment from the Province. Securing our water-supply infrastructure is essential to securing one of Canada’s busiest trade corridors. The Premier, our MLA and the Ministry of Municipal Affairs have all been incredibly supportive. They know our issues and are committed to help. Today’s announcement allows us to tackle the most critical areas of water infrastructure and secure our supply for decades to come.”

Shaun Stevenson, president and chief executive officer, Prince Rupert Port Authority –

“The B.C. government’s investment demonstrates their understanding of the need for an urgent solution that will ensure a strong, sustainable port has a strong, sustainable community that can support its growth. The Port of Prince Rupert relies on healthy municipal infrastructure to support the needs of its local workforce and maintain a livable community that can anchor our role as an essential trade gateway for B.C. and Canada.”

Learn More:

For information about the Growing Communities Fund, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/28220(External link)

For information about the provincial surplus, visit: https://news.gov.bc.ca/27862(External link)

The BIG Project

So how is the BIG project going to look in practice?

Upcoming Road Closures

So how is the BIG project going to look in practice?

Upcoming Road Closures

Notice of Long Term Road Closure at Frederick St and Prince Rupert Blvd

City Provides First Year Plans for Construction on Water and Sewer Lines

Update on Traffic Disruptions During Investigations

Prince Rupert receives funding to help upgrade water system and improve sewer line

Contacts

Want to know more about what this announcement means for Prince Rupert? Check out this video from Mayor Pond that provides some additional local context for residents.

Upgrades Secure Drinking Water System in Prince Rupert

FAQs

Who's Listening

Follow Project

Important Documents

Scheduled Water Shut Off's