Sapperton Sewer Connection Upgrade

<div class="ExternalClassDC7C7EA6DAC9469CA23EB245CD3FB42C"><p>The Sapperton Sewer is part of critical infrastructure that moves wastewater safely from communities in New Westminster to the Annacis Island Wastewater Treatment Plant in Delta. The sewer was built in the 1970s and needs repairs to ensure the continued protection of public health and the environment.</p><p>Metro Vancouver is replacing a section of the aging sewer along East Columbia Street — between Cumberland Street and Debeck Street — with a new sewer pipe.<br></p></div>

City of New Westminster

Project

Project update

<div class="ExternalClass2F4E60705ECC438C93C4FD6FC156DC8C"><p>Construction is starting on East Columbia Street on August 17. It will take approximately three months to safely complete this critical section of work.</p><p>Expect significant traffic delays. Drivers are advised to take alternate routes where possible. Pedestrian, cyclist, and vehicle detours will be in place (please see map below).</p><p>More information on construction can be found in the Mobilization Letter.</p><p>If you have any questions about the project, please contact the Community Liaison. Thank you for your patience and understanding while these essential repairs are being completed.</p><ul class="fa-ul"> <li><span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file" aria-hidden="true"></i></span><a href="/services/liquid-waste/ConstructionDocuments/newsletter-mobilization-sapperton-sewer-connection-upgrade-august-2026.pdf">Mobilization Letter – Sapperton Sewer Connection Upgrade</a></li></ul></div>

8/14/2026 7:00:00 AM

sapperton-sewer-connection-upgrade-map	https://metrovancouver.org/services/liquid-waste/ConstructionImages/_t/sapperton-sewer-connection-upgrade-map_jpg.jpg	sapperton-sewer-connection-upgrade-map
Sapperton Sewer Connection Traffic Impacts	https://metrovancouver.org/services/liquid-waste/ConstructionImages/_t/sapperton-sewer-connection-traffic-impacts_jpg.jpg	Sapperton Sewer Connection Traffic Impacts
Sapperton Sewer Connection Upgrade - Traffic Detours with Hospital	https://metrovancouver.org/services/liquid-waste/ConstructionImages/_t/sapperton-sewer-connection-upgrade-traffic-detours-with-hospital_jpg.jpg	Sapperton Sewer Connection Upgrade - Traffic Detours with Hospital

Project activities	Project activities	<div class="ExternalClass983FABA6DD05492DA89BBE5808FE97D2"><p>Metro Vancouver is replacing a 165 metre section of the Sapperton Sewer on East Columbia Street between Cumberland Street and Debeck Street with a new pipe. Over time, underground pipes like the Sapperton Sewer can develop dips that slow or stop the flow of wastewater. A maintenance hole at Cumberland Street and East Columbia Street will also be replaced during this work. Construction of the new sewer will use an open-cut method.</p><p>A bypass pump will be put in place to divert wastewater while this work is underway. The bypass system will ensure sewer service for residents is maintained and may create some ambient noise. Crews will cover this equipment with sound dampening materials to minimize impacts to the surrounding area. <br></p></div>
Work hours	Work hours	<div class="ExternalClass26A179126F0A4D4E957F39F477A6EBAA"><p>Work will generally occur from Monday to Friday, between 7:00 am and 7:00 pm. There may be times when crews will be required to work extended hours to complete specific tasks and/or stay on schedule. All work will comply with City of New Westminster bylaws or granted bylaw variances.<br></p><p>From August 17 to September 30, crews may need to run bypass pumps outside of regular hours to reroute flows past the pipe to be replaced. To help reduce the impacts to residents, noise mitigation measures will be in place wherever possible.<br></p></div>
Impacts and mitigations	Impacts and mitigations	<div class="ExternalClass90EA754805EB4C44A482E77033813CD3"><p>Construction impacts associated with this project may include: </p><ul><li>Lane closures on East Columbia Street and Brunette Avenue</li><li>Vehicle and pedestrian detours</li><li>Sidewalk closures on Cumberland Street and East Columbia Street </li><li>Bicycle lane closure</li><li>Occasional temporary odour</li><li>Noise and dust</li><li>Crews, vehicles, and equipment in the area</li></ul></div>
Engagement	Engagement	<div class="ExternalClass6481603860CE45938FA64CCF9438FF59"><p>Metro Vancouver is committed to minimizing the impact of this project on the surrounding community. As part of our commitment, Metro Vancouver: </p><ul><li>Identified potential impacts during project design</li><li>Will develop a traffic management plan to minimize impacts to vehicles, cyclists, and pedestrians</li><li>Will maintain open and ongoing communication about the project via newsletters, the project webpage, social media, and on-site signage</li><li>Will provide advance notice about upcoming work and changes that could impact the community</li></ul><p><strong>Community liaison</strong></p><p>A Community Liaison has been assigned to meet with business owners, residents, and community members to discuss the project impacts, compile public feedback, and be available by phone to address any questions or concerns.<br></p></div>
Project materials	Project materials	<div class="ExternalClass99850842BB774DABB3D9B1FE530406F8"><ul class="fa-ul"><li><span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file" aria-hidden="true"></i></span><a href="/services/liquid-waste/ConstructionDocuments/fact-sheet-sapperton-sewer-upgrade-2026-jun-26.pdf">Fact Sheet – Sapperton Sewer Connection Upgrade </a></li><li><span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file" aria-hidden="true"></i></span><a href="/services/liquid-waste/ConstructionDocuments/newsletter-mobilization-sapperton-sewer-connection-upgrade-august-2026.pdf">Mobilization Letter – Sapperton Sewer Connection Upgrade</a></li></ul></div>

Summer 2026 - Fall 2026

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Information Centre
Monday – Friday
8:00 am – 4:30 pm

Email
604-432-6200

After hours emergencies

604-451-6610

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