A class tour, led by a Metro Vancouver wastewater operations team member, to discover the complex story of wastewater collection and treatment in our region.
Facility tour details
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Grade level: Grades 5 to 12
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Location: Two locations are available. Choose the location nearest you:
- Lulu Island Wastewater Treatment Plant (13500 Gilbert Rd, Richmond)
- Lions Gate Wastewater Treatment Plant (101 Bridge Rd, West Vancouver)
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Availability: Wednesdays and Thursdays at 10:00 am or 12:30 pm, October to November and February to June. The request form is updated twice a year, in August and December.
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Duration: 90 minutes
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Number of participants: 32 students maximum
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Cost: The facility tour is free
Request a treatment plant tour
Facility tour description
Metro Vancouver collects and treats the region's wastewater through a system of sewers, pump stations, and treatment plants, and conducts regular environmental monitoring to protect public health and the environment. This unique tour at one of Metro Vancouver’s five wastewater treatment facilities provides an unforgettable learning experience for all students. Students will leave familiar with unique careers in sustainability and inspired to rethink their connection to healthy local waterways.
Lulu Island Wastewater Treatment Plant treats 26 billion litres of wastewater annually. The plant provides secondary treatment to wastewater from about 172,000 residents in the western part of Richmond.
Lions Gate Wastewater Treatment Plant treats 32 billion liters of wastewater annually. The plant provides primary treatment to wastewater from about 180,000 residents in the District of West Vancouver, the City of North Vancouver, and the District of North Vancouver.
Planning for your facility tour
Transportation to and from the facility is not provided by Metro Vancouver (arrangements must be made by the teacher requesting the tour).
It is not possible for classes to remain onsite post-tour (for lunch or for other post-tour activities).
Programs take place in all weather conditions, unless deemed unsafe by Metro Vancouver. While all effort will be made to give notice of changes before the day of programming, last minute changes can sometimes occur. Cancellations will be rescheduled as time allows.
Safety and accessibility
Participation in the Wastewater Treatment Plant Facility Tour is not recommended for those with limited mobility. The facility tour will be challenging for those who are sensitive to smells and donning personal protective equipment (PPE). Please let us know if your program has any inclusion needs. We will do our best to accommodate them but there are some aspects of the tour we cannot adjust.
Tour participants must wear long pants, long sleeve shirts, and closed-toe shoes (no high heels) and adhere to all facility safety instructions which will be provided by the tour leader. PPE such as helmets, safety vests, and eye protection will be provided.
Each student participant must complete the Metro Vancouver Facility Tour – Informed Consent Form (For Minors age 18 or younger). Each adult participant must complete the Metro Vancouver Facility Tour Waiver-Liability Release Form. These forms will be sent upon confirmation of your booking.
Curriculum connections
This facility tour meets grade-specific curriculum. Contact us to discuss options for facilitating wastewater education for other grade levels.
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