Victoria, BC– The Capital Regional District (CRD) has initiated an Alternative Approval Process (AAP) to seek elector approval to borrow up to $34.84 million for the purpose of capital renewal and wastewater system upgrade projects planned for the Core Area and Western Communities service area which is comprised of the following municipalities in the CRD: Victoria, Esquimalt, Saanich, Oak Bay, View Royal, Langford and Colwood. Kosapsum Nation and Songhees Nation are serviced by the wastewater system under an agreement with the CRD. The projects, which align with the CRD’s approved 2026–2030 Financial Plan, will help maintain reliable wastewater services and ensure critical infrastructure continues to operate safely and effectively.
If approved, the proposed borrowing authority would support the proactive renewal of aging infrastructure, reducing the risk of system failures that could cause environmental impacts, regulatory non compliance, or costly emergency repairs. These investments help extend the life of critical assets and strengthen the long-term reliability and resilience of wastewater treatment and conveyance systems. Key projects identified in the CRD’s approved 2026 Financial Plan that would be supported through this funding include:
• Core Area sewers, manholes, and chamber repairs and upgrades
• Shoreline Trunk Sewer upgrade
• Pump Station Renewal Program
• Design, site planning, and air quality modelling for introducing carbonisation technology at the Residuals Treatment Facility
The total Core Area Wastewater capital plan for 2026–2030 is $100.05 million. Of this amount, up to $59.29 million is currently planned to be funded through borrowing. The CRD is authorized to borrow up to $24.45 million for capital projects reflected in the Liquid Waste Management Plan approved by the BC Ministry of Environment. The proposed Loan Authorization Bylaw No. 4699 [PDF/160KB] requires elector approval to authorize borrowing up to $34.84 million for additional capital renewal and upgrade initiatives.
As per the Local Government Act, the CRD must receive elector approval before it can adopt a bylaw to incur long-term debt. During an AAP, electors may indicate whether they are against a proposed bylaw moving forward. Electors must voice their opposition by submitting a completed elector response form available from the CRD on request or from the CRD website at www.crd.ca/Wastewater-AAP.
The CRD Board may adopt Bylaw No. 4699 unless at least 10% of electors in the service area (25,259 electors) indicate they oppose the creation of the service. In that case, the service could only be considered with the support of a referendum.
The anticipated timing for the AAP is as follows:
• June 18, 2026 – AAP response period begins
• July 31, 2026 – AAP response period ends
• September 9, 2026 – AAP results reported to the CRD Board and final adoption of bylaw (if applicable)
If Bylaw No. 4699 is successfully adopted, the new long-term debt will fund capital renewal projects identified in the 2026-2030 Financial Plan.
The deadline for submitting signed elector response forms in relation to Bylaw No. 4699 to the CRD is 4:30 pm on Friday, July 31, 2026. Alternatives to mailing the form include dropping it off at 625 Fisgard Street, Victoria, BC, during regular business hours (Monday to Friday between 8:30 am and 4:30 pm) or scanning a legible, signed copy that can be emailed to LegServ@crd.bc.ca.
AAPs are an important step in the decision-making process. More information about the AAP including copies of the elector response form and Frequently Asked Questions can be found on the website at www.crd.ca/Wastewater-AAP.
The CRD delivers regional, sub-regional and local services to 13 municipalities and three electoral areas on southern Vancouver Island and the Gulf Islands. Governed by a 24-member Board of Directors, the CRD works collaboratively with First Nations and government partners to enable sustainable growth, foster community well-being, and develop cost-effective infrastructure while continuing to provide core services to residents throughout the region. Visit us online at www.crd.ca.
For media inquiries, please contact:
Andy Orr, Senior Manager
CRD Corporate Communications & Engagement
Tel: 250.360.3229
Cell: 250.216.5492
