UPDATED AT 5:20 PM MONDAY, MAY 7

Latest estimates for a new Townsite wastewater treatment plant for City of Powell River and Tla’amin Nation have ballooned from $30 million to approximately $66 million, depending on which of two design options city council chooses.

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“It certainly wasn't what we've been told leading up to this, where $30 million was referred to,” said councillor Jim Palm. “When I was dealing with it five years ago the cost at that point was $25 million. I could live with the $30 million but when I found out we are going over twice that amount, I couldn't believe it.”

Councillors were informed of the projected increase and shown two design options for the plant by city staff at a committee of the whole meeting on May 1.

“We were shocked to see a figure of $65 million and my first thought was there's no way,” said councillor Russell Brewer. “There's no way we're going to build a plant for $65 million.”

Without federal and provincial infrastructure funding, Brewer said the city could not pay for the whole project.

“People have to cool their jets a little bit,” he said. “We've been talking about liquid waste for a while and until we actually go to tender with any detailed designs we're not really going to know what the price is going to be.”

Two themes for architectural design and landscaping were presented to councillors.

The Heritage design for the brick processing plant, control room and office is informed by historic buildings of Townsite, such as the old post office, now the location of Townsite Brewing. It also incorporates a wall that is in the silhouette of one of the Hulks.

“The hulks one doesn't speak to me at all,” said Brewer. “It looks hokey.”

Brewer added that he would prefer a simpler design.

Of the two, councillor CaroleAnn Leishman said she prefers the Natural Integration design.

“I like the idea of a living wall,” said Leishman. “I just don't think we need to pretend we're going to make it all fancy colours and swirling designs. Let's just have a wall that is actually a living wall of plants that will grow and look natural.

Leishman said city consultants on the project could have done a better job with the two options council is being asked to consider.

“It was suggested early on that an architect be engaged so I don't know who did those designs,” said Leishman. “I've been hearing negative feedback about the designs. I'm not satisfied.”

The concepts provided have been developed by the city’s consultants, Associated Engineering.

“The city has not ruled out the involvement of an architect in the future,” said AE project lead Tom Robinson.

City director of infrastructure Tor Birtig gave the recommendation that council approve the Heritage option, at a cost of $65.7 million, over the Natural Integration design, with a price tag of $67.4 million.

The $1.4 million difference is in construction costs: $43.9 million for the Heritage option compared to $45.2 million for Natural Integration. Also, financial projections now include contingencies of $13.2 million for Heritage and $13.6 million for Natural Integration.

Council has chosen the location for the plant below Larch and Laburnum avenues, near the existing Townsite facility, and selected high efficiency biological treatment as the process.

Councillors are currently considering approval of conveyance for the south pipeline from the Westview Water Treatment Facility to the new plant along Willingdon Beach Trail. Estimated cost for that route is $6.2 million for both Heritage and Natural Integration. The north pipeline from Wildwood lagoon to the new facility is $2.4 million for both design options.

The decision for conveyance from Westview and the exterior design will be considered by council on Thursday, May 17.

Throughout the process, Birtig has stressed the importance that the city’s application for possible federal and provincial infrastructure grants be ready to submit for expected upcoming funding cycles this spring.

A public engagement open house on the exterior design in the Cedar Room at Powell River Recreation Complex on Thursday, May 10, will precede council’s approval at its regular meeting on May 17.

An online survey is available on the city’s website.

HERITAGE THEME

The outline of a hulk at anchor being loaded by gangways and heritage inspired buildings celebrating Powell River’s unique industrial heritage.

• The outline of a concrete hulk and wharf connects to the Townsite’s heritage and industrial waterfront. When viewed from Larch Avenue, walkways appear as gangways.

• A new staircase descending from the corner of Larch Avenue and Hemlock Street will provide improved access to the trail network and to First Beach.

• Willingdon Beach Trail will pass in front of the new WWTP, providing unobstructed views of Malaspina Strait.

• A small park with picnic tables and maple trees is reminiscent of the Garden City. Swimmers at First Beach will enjoy solar hot water showers during the summer months.

• The profile of a concrete hulk at anchor celebrates Powell River’s unique industrial heritage.

• At the stern of the hulk a staircase leads to a public viewing platform with binoculars and educational poster boards.

• Brick buildings are reminiscent of the Townsite’s history.

• A new staircase and trail will provide direct access to First Beach.

• New parking for visitors to First Beach.

NATURAL INTEGRATION THEME

An artistic living greenwall made up of live plants represents the ocean and setting sun which integrates the new facility into the natural landscape.

• An artistic living wall, green roofs, and landscaping will integrate the new facility into the natural landscape.

• A new staircase descending from the corner of Larch Avenue and Hemlock Street will provide improved access to the trail network and to First Beach.

• Willingdon Beach Trail will pass in front of the living wall, providing unobstructed views of Malaspina Strait. A musical railing plays a melody when struck.

• A small park with picnic tables will provide open space for pubic enjoyment. Swimmers at First Beach will enjoy solar hot water showers during the summer months.

• An artistic living green wall of living plants faces the ocean. This would be the largest green wall in North America.

• A gazebo on Willingdon Beach Trail will provide a sheltered area for relaxation and viewing of Malaspina Strait. The emergency egress stair includes a viewing platform with binoculars and educational poster boards.

• Buildings are clad in modern and sustainable wooden siding.

• A new staircase and trail will provide direct access to First Beach.

• New parking for visitors to First Beach.