FAQs

The plant is operating close to its maximum capacity, and many components date back to the 1980s. Acting now reduces the risk of a major system failure that could disrupt services for homes, businesses, schools and hospitals. Early investment also prevents higher future costs tied to emergency repairs and construction inflation.

Delaying increases the likelihood of significant service disruptions, environmental impacts to the Oldman River and costly emergency interventions. It also exposes residents to higher long‑term financial consequences as construction costs continue to rise.

Wastewater capacity directly determines whether new housing, commercial projects and industrial developments can be approved. Expanding capacity by 50 per cent ensures Lethbridge can continue growing, attracting investment and supporting new jobs without hitting servicing limits.

The plant plays a critical role in protecting the Oldman River and meeting provincial and federal regulations. Upgrades reduce the risk of environmental incidents, improve treatment performance and strengthen long‑term system resilience.

The project includes a 20 million litre per day (ML/d) capacity increase - about 50 per cent more than today - along with modernization of aging systems. It also includes a new pre‑treatment facility for industrial customers, improved influent handling, electrical upgrades, sludge management improvements and enhanced environmental protection equipment.

The project replaces aging infrastructure, adds redundancy and modernizes critical components. This reduces the chance of unplanned outages and ensures the system can handle peak demand, emergencies and future growth without compromising service.

The estimated construction cost is $285 million, funded through a combination of borrowings and utility reserves. Administration has recommended a rate‑funded repayment model to ensure long‑term financial sustainability.

Lethbridge currently has some of the lowest wastewater rates in Alberta - about 60 per cent below the provincial average. To support the project, the recommended rate increases are:

• 2027: +$4.42/month
• 2028: +$5.21/month (cumulative +$9.63)
• 2029: +$6.15/month (cumulative +$15.78)
• 2030: +$7.27/month (cumulative +$23.05)

Even with these increases, Lethbridge’s rates will remain comparatively affordable.

Proactive investment avoids higher future costs tied to construction inflation, emergency repairs and potential system failures. Addressing the issue now prevents a far more expensive crisis later and ensures stable, reliable service for decades.

The expansion was originally scheduled for the 2027–2036 Capital Improvement Program (CIP). Due to rising risks and capacity constraints, Council is considering advancing the project to ensure long‑term reliability, regulatory compliance and readiness for future growth.

The Community Issues Committee has recommended that Council direct Administration to bring forward a borrowing bylaw for first reading on June 23. Further readings and approvals will follow before construction can proceed.

The City will provide clear, consistent updates explaining why the project is needed, how costs are being managed, and what the risks of inaction are. Communication will continue throughout design, construction, and implementation.