VANCOUVER — Metro Vancouver’s board of directors has passed a resolution to confirm the initiation of an independent performance audit of the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant Program and has also announced a pause on international travel, with the intent to carryout a governance review.
“Legitimate questions have been raised about the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant Program, and we need to move quickly to review all of the facts, especially to ensure future projects do not experience similar problems,” Mike Hurley, board chair, said in a statement. “I have ordered a pause on all international travel by Metro Vancouver board directors and committee members while we review policies and spending limits related to travel, conferences, and hospitality. I also intend to proceed with a governance review to identify areas for improvement, to drive performance, and to be absolutely clear about roles and responsibilities within the organization.”
The performance audit on the treatment plant will include “retaining reputable, experienced external legal counsel to advise the board on the performance audit. The external legal counsel will work with lawyers representing Metro Vancouver in ongoing litigation related to the North Shore project to develop and recommend a scope of work, terms of reference, and a process for selecting an independent and qualified reviewer,” a release reads.
The North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant Program is made up of three projects: construction of a new treatment plant, construction of related conveyance infrastructure, and preliminary design for the decommissioning of the current Lions Gate Wastewater Treatment Plant.
The estimated cost of the project now stands at $3.86 billion, up from an original estimate of $700 million. In early 2022 Metro Vancouver terminated its contract with Acciona Wastewater Solutions LP citing rising costs and delays.
In 2023 a task force was struck to review the history of the project and find options for completion. Three separate cost estimates were completed in the previous year, the statement said, which informed the final cost estimate along with an external expert panel reviewing the process and cost update.
Over the coming months, Metro Vancouver is working with the new construction manager, PCL, to continue early work and AECOM will complete the plant design.
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