| Project activities | Project activities | <div class="ExternalClass2B7CDC189EF84D139FFE59803DF30E2A"><p>Three shafts will be constructed in Stanley Park to enable tunnelling and installation of the water main deep underground. Valve chambers will be constructed at two of the shaft sites, Burrard Inlet shaft site and Chilco Street shaft site. The shaft locations, along with the tunnel alignment and construction process, were carefully selected based on rigorous geotechnical, environmental, archaeological, technological, and traffic studies.</p><p>Find more information on the shaft sites:</p><ul><li>
<a href="/services/water/stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel-burrard-inlet-shaft-site">Burrard Inlet shaft site</a></li><li>
<a href="/services/water/stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel-centre-shaft-site">Centre shaft site</a></li><li>
<a href="/services/water/stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel-chilco-street-shaft-site">Chilco Street shaft site</a></li></ul></div> |
| Work hours | Work hours | <div class="ExternalClass39CD1568B6524590B5B3564E73CE9E13"><p>Typical hours of work may change depending on construction needs. If work outside of the typical construction hours is required, Metro Vancouver will apply for a bylaw variance with the City of Vancouver.</p><p>Typical hours of work are:</p><ul><li>
<strong>Monday to Friday:</strong> 7:30 am – 8:00 pm</li><li>
<strong>Saturdays:</strong> 10:00 am – 8:00 pm<br></li><li>
<strong>Sundays and holidays:</strong> No work planned</li></ul>
<br></div> |
| Impact and mitigation | Impact and mitigation | <div class="ExternalClassF34D7E8DA0914C82AE1ED66D8134D5FF"><p>The Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel is critical for the safe and reliable delivery of high-quality drinking water. We are sensitive to the impacts that construction will have and are taking steps to minimize them wherever possible.</p><p>The majority of the work will take place deep underground and park businesses and visitors are not expected to experience significant disruptions to regular activities. </p><p>Key considerations during the planning stages of this project include:</p><ul><li>Maintaining access for park users</li><li>Protecting the park’s public amenities and First Nations sites</li><li>Minimizing construction duration and impacts</li></ul><p>Residents near the Chilco Street shaft site will experience construction impacts while crews build the shaft and valve chamber, however, the construction schedule will be designed to minimize those impacts. A temporary path will be installed in the Chilco Street shaft area to keep pedestrians and cyclists moving safely and efficiently for the duration of construction. Temporary bollards will be installed on Chilco Street to prevent thru traffic between Robson and Alberni Streets.<br></p><h3 class="uk-margin-remove-top">Traffic, Noise and Dust Mitigation</h3><p>In meeting with local residents, Metro Vancouver understands that noise, dust, and traffic are of concern and will ensure that proper mitigation measures will be in place during construction.</p><p>Metro Vancouver will:</p><ul><li>Conduct noise monitoring to ensure that all work complies with City of Vancouver bylaws and granted bylaw variances</li><li>Implement dust mitigation measures, including wheel washing stations and street watering</li><li>Provide traffic control personnel and signage to reduce congestion associated with construction</li></ul><br></div> |
| Restoration plan | Restoration plan | <div class="ExternalClassE6A331211D894F3E8787702CE555E7B4"><p>The Vancouver Park Board will initiate a restoration design for the construction sites in Stanley Park. All restoration planning and implementation will be governed by the Vancouver Park Board’s commitment to reconciliation and decolonization, and in alignment with approved policies and strategies, including but not limited to the Urban Forest Strategy, Biodiversity Strategy, and VanPlay. It will also include public engagement throughout the process.</p><br></div> |
| First Nations engagement | First Nations engagement | <div class="ExternalClass05AF92AC000948DBB4B95C04C2BFEA6E"><p>Metro Vancouver recognizes the cultural and spiritual importance of Stanley Park to many First Nations. Metro Vancouver has been engaging with First Nations about this project since November 2016.</p><p>A total of 16 First Nations that have indicated interest in the Stanley Park lands have been regularly updated through the design process, with particular and focused engagement with the xʷməθkʷəyə̓m (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlili̓lw̓ ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations. Metro Vancouver has been engaging with the three host Nations through ongoing letters, emails, phone calls, and meetings.</p><p>Metro Vancouver has considered feedback from First Nations during the design phase and will continue to meet and engage with xʷməθkʷəyə̓m (Musqueam), Sḵwx̱wú7mesh Úxwumixw (Squamish Nation), and səlili̓lw̓ ətaʔɬ (Tsleil-Waututh) Nations in the lead up to construction and throughout the project.</p><br></div> |
| Community engagement | Community engagement | <div class="ExternalClassB7613116134C49388AD6A0B31C0ADECC"><p>At Metro Vancouver we make decisions that impact the over three million residents that live in our region. Metro Vancouver engages municipalities, businesses and the general public whenever we are working on a new program, policy, or project across our service areas. Learn more about our <a href="/about-us/community-engagement" target="_blank">engagement principles</a>.<br></p><p>Since 2017, Metro Vancouver has conducted three phases of community engagement on the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel project.</p><p>
<strong>Phase 1 – September to November, 2017: Preliminary Design Phase</strong></p><ul><li>Metro Vancouver engaged with stakeholders and the public to identify project impacts and community values, priorities, and concerns.</li></ul><p>
<strong>Phase 2 – January to August, 2021: Detailed Design Phase</strong></p><ul><li>Metro Vancouver engaged with stakeholders and the public to discuss strategies and ideas for managing project impacts during construction.<br></li></ul><p>
<strong>Phase 3 – October to November, 2023: Detailed Design Phase</strong></p><ul><li>Metro Vancouver engaged with stakeholders and the public to provide new project details and gather additional ideas to reduce impacts during construction.<br></li></ul><div><strong>Phase 4</strong> <strong>– October to December, 2024: Construction </strong></div><div><strong><br></strong></div><div><ul><li>Metro Vancouver engaged with stakeholders and the public to receive feedback on construction plans, highlight potential impacts to the community, and gather additional ideas on how to mitigate impacts.</li></ul></div><div><br></div><p>
<strong>Keeping the Community Updated</strong></p><p>Metro Vancouver staff notified and built awareness of the project with the community and stakeholders during the engagement phases using:</p><ul><li>A dedicated webpage to keep people up-to-date with project news</li><li>Signage installed around the park</li><li>Posters in public spaces across the West End</li><li>Targeted direct mail outs sent to neighbouring residents and businesses of the Chilco Street shaft site</li><li>Print and online ads</li><li>Emails via online newsletter</li><li>Social media posts</li></ul><p>Metro Vancouver staff will continue to engage with the public and stakeholders and notify residents, park businesses, and park users of any disruptions. You can subscribe to our mailing list to receive updates via email by selecting the project name in our
<a href="/services/water/water-engagement-mailing-list" target="_blank">water projects sign-up page</a>.<br></p><p>A community liaison is also available to address any public questions or concerns and will continue to be available throughout the project.<br></p></div> |
| What we heard | What we heard | <div class="ExternalClass2863C057F2CE4177B9A236B0E2E0C30C"><p>Metro Vancouver recognizes the construction of this major drinking water infrastructure project may impact residents, businesses, and park users.<br></p> We are committed to working diligently throughout the project to mitigate disturbances and ensure our contractor actively reduces impacts. We will also continue to listen to and address your concerns and encourage people to contact the dedicated community liaison for this project with any questions or comments.<br><br>
<table class="uk-table uk-table-small uk-table-divider mv-border-cyan mv-table-heading-cyan mv-table-border uk-table-striped"><thead><tr><th>What we heard</th><th>How we’re responding<br></th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td><p>Concerns about construction traffic</p></td><td><p>Metro Vancouver will work with the construction contractor to develop and implement a traffic management plan to ensure pedestrians, cyclists, and vehicle traffic can move safely and efficiently around the construction sites. The plan will be based on the proposed truck routes and will take into consideration other construction work, traffic, and City regulations at the time. Metro Vancouver will review the Traffic Management Plan before starting construction<br></p><p>Truck traffic will increase and decrease throughout the project depending on the construction activity.</p><p>
<strong>Truck traffic at the Chilco Street shaft site:</strong><br></p><p>An important focus of our Traffic Management Plan is to ensure that trucks access the area safely and that we proactively minimize truck traffic impacts near the Chilco Street shaft site.</p><p>West Georgia Street is the primary and preferred truck route and Metro Vancouver is working with the City of Vancouver to minimize the number of trucks that would use the alternate route of Denman Street to Davie Street. The City has indicated it is amenable to removing left-turn restrictions from Robson to Denman so that construction trucks may access Georgia Street and avoid using Denman Street south of Robson Street.</p><p>Contractors are not permitted to park in the neighbourhood. Construction vehicles will be parked inside the shaft site. The contractor will shuttle construction crews to the project area to reduce impacts to local street parking.</p><p>Trucks related to the project will not be allowed to use Rosemary Brown Lane and Eihu Lane.</p><p>
<strong>Truck traffic at the centre shaft site:</strong><br></p><p>We understand that potential truck traffic within Stanley Park is a concern. We will develop and implement a Traffic Management Plan that will ensure that trucks accessing the centre shaft will enter and exit the park safely.</p><p>To minimize construction traffic impacts in the area, trucks will access the centre shaft site area via designated City of Vancouver trucking routes via West Georgia Street, using the roundabout to access Pipeline Road and the centre shaft site. Trucks will exit the park by travelling south down Pipeline Road, and access West Georgia Street via roundabout and North Lagoon Drive.</p><p>Trucks will also turn around within the construction area, thereby maintaining the flow of traffic and ensuring emergency access along Pipeline Road is maintained.</p><p>
<strong>Truck traffic at the Burrard Inlet shaft site:</strong><br></p><p>We understand that potential truck traffic within Stanley Park is a concern. We will develop and implement a Traffic Management Plan that will ensure that trucks accessing the Burrard Inlet shaft will enter and exit the area safely.</p><p>To minimize construction traffic impacts in the area, trucks will access Stanley Park via the roundabout to travel to and from the site along Pipeline Road and Stanley Park Drive.<br></p><p>Stanley Park Drive will also be reduced to one lane of traffic to allow construction trucks to access the site.<br></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Concerns about noise</p></td><td><p>To address construction noise concerns, we will implement a Noise and Vibration Management Plan. We will ensure that sound levels adhere to the City of Vancouver’s noise bylaw requirements or approved variances to limit work in early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.<br></p><p>We will not be doing any excavation work on Saturdays in accordance with the City of Vancouver’s noise bylaw. Typical hours of work may change depending on construction needs. If work outside of the typical construction hours is required, Metro Vancouver will apply for a bylaw variance with the City of Vancouver and notify the community about the work ahead of time.<br></p><p>Metro Vancouver will conduct continuous noise monitoring to ensure noise limits remain below the City of Vancouver noise bylaw level (85 dBA) or granted bylaw variances.<br></p><p>We will also require the construction contractor to turn equipment off when not in use and maintain equipment properly.<br></p><p>
<strong>Noise at the Chilco Street shaft site:</strong><br></p><p>This site will not be used to excavate the tunnel, which will keep the construction area relatively small and help reduce construction noise and other impacts on our West End neighbours.</p><p>In the request for proposal for a construction contractor, we specified drilling or blasting will not be allowed at the site.<br></p><p>We will construct a three-metre-high noise barrier along the Chilco Street shaft site.</p><p>We will temporarily open up the Chilco Street cul-de-sac so trucks can drive through the site and reduce the need for noisy back up alarms.<br></p><p>
<strong>Noise at the centre shaft site:</strong></p><p>We will construct a sound barrier at the centre shaft site to proactively reduce noise from the excavation process.<br></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Concern about wildlife and the natural environment</p></td><td><p>Environmental studies were completed during the design phase to better understand the potential impacts to wildlife during construction. These include environmental impact assessments (vegetation, wildlife, wildlife habitat, fisheries, aquatic habitat, surface water quality, and socio-economic condition assessments), raptor nest surveys, arborist surveys, and noise studies.</p><p>Based on these assessments, the team developed an environmental management plan that defines what requirements will need to be followed during construction. These are based on applicable municipal, provincial, and federal requirements as well as best management practices.</p><p><strong>Tree preservation:</strong><br></p><p>Metro Vancouver is committed to protecting and preserving the natural environment and we are taking active steps to ensure that impacts on the park’s flora are minimized.</p><p>We have conducted an arboricultural assessment and taken inventory of existing trees to ensure that trees, especially large and old coniferous trees situated in the area, are protected wherever possible. We will ensure an arborist is onsite to supervise any project work in or near tree protection zones.</p><p>We will be installing tree protection fences around individual trees located at the Chilco Street shaft site. Some trees will be removed but they will be re-planted after construction is completed.</p><p>By constructing the centre shaft site and Burrard Inlet shaft site on top of previously disturbed areas of the park, we are able to minimize the number of tree removals.</p><p>We will also implement an Invasive Species Management Plan to prevent the spread of these species.</p><p>
<strong>Protecting wildlife:</strong><br></p><p>During construction, environmental monitors will be on site to verify that project requirements are being met.</p><p>Potential noise impacts to the heron colony were considered as it was identified as a sensitive wildlife receptor. The acoustical consultant determined that the heron colony (which is located approximately 500 meters from the Chilco Street shaft site) is not expected to be impacted by the project.</p><p>To further minimize disruption to wildlife, the tunnelling for this pipeline will be deep underground – in the bedrock under Lost Lagoon – so the lagoon will not be disturbed.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Concerns about pedestrian and cyclist safety</p></td><td><p>Metro Vancouver is committed to keeping people moving safely and efficiently during construction and has a traffic management strategy in place.</p><p>Trucks will access all three shaft sites via designated routes and gates. Traffic control personnel and signage will reduce congestion associated with construction and ensure the safety of all road users.</p><p>We will also relocate bike and pedestrian paths around construction sites to maintain safe and uninterrupted passage.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Concerns about air quality</p></td><td><p>We understand that maintaining air quality is an important concern. We will develop and implement an Air Quality Management Plan that will comply with Metro Vancouver’s air quality management bylaws.</p><p>We will also wash vehicles, sweep the site, and water spray the streets to help control dust.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Concerns about restoration</p></td><td><p>The Vancouver Park Board will initiate a restoration design for the construction sites in Stanley Park. All restoration planning and implementation will be governed by the Park Board’s commitment to reconciliation and decolonization, and in alignment with approved policies and strategies, including but not limited to the Urban Forest Strategy, Biodiversity Strategy, and VanPlay. Restoration planning will also include public engagement throughout the process.<br></p><p>The Chilco Street cul-de-sac will be restored to equal or better condition once construction is completed.<br></p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Other concerns about the project</p></td><td><p>
<strong>Construction contractor:</strong></p><p>We take a best value approach to procurement. We review submitted method statements, proposed construction schedule, tunnelling, and excavation plans to select the most qualified contractor.</p><p>
<strong>Schedule:</strong></p><p>Our consulting engineers rigorously design the project and plan the expected timeline.</p><p>Much of this project is linear work so things will happen sequentially. Some site preparation work may take place in advance of construction.</p><p>Metro Vancouver will provide a detailed construction schedule to residents once a construction contractor is brought on board and will keep the community updated as the project progresses through print notifications, emails, website updates, and on-site signage.</p><p>Our community liaisons will also be available throughout the project to address questions or concerns about the construction schedule and any topic related to the project.</p><p>
<strong>Location:</strong></p><p>There is existing infrastructure at the Chilco Street and Burrard Inlet shaft sites. These locations already connect to the City of Vancouver water main and have existing pressure-reducing valves.</p><p>The ground at the Chilco Street shaft site was previously disturbed to construct the existing water main, which means construction here will have fewer archaeological and environmental impacts than a new site.</p></td></tr></tbody></table><br><br></div> |
| Project materials | Project materials | <div class="ExternalClass9AC2783638D044C28BCA0A9998ECA547"><p>
<strong>Fact Sheets</strong></p><ul class="fa-ul"><li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i> </span><a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/fact-sheet-stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel.pdf">Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel</a></li><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-file"></i> </span><a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/fact-sheet-stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel-burrard-inlet-shaft-site.pdf">Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel – Burrard Inlet Shaft Site</a><br></li><li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i> </span><a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/fact-sheet-stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel-centre-shaft-site.pdf">Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel – Centre Shaft Site</a></li><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-file"></i> </span><a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/fact-sheet-stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel-chilco-street-shaft-site.pdf">Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel – Chilco Street Shaft Site</a></li></ul><p>
<strong>Engagement</strong></p><ul class="fa-ul"><li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i> </span><a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/Display_Panels-Concept_Design_Public_Open_House-SPWST-September_2017-Optimized.pdf">Engagement Phase 1 – 2017 – Public Comment Period Display Panels</a></li><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-file"></i> </span><a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/Infographic-Engagement_Summary-SPWST_2017-12-18.pdf">Engagement Phase 1 – 2017 – Feedback Highlights</a></li><li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i> </span><a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/Display_Panels-Public_Comment_Period-SPWST-5_Jul_2021.pdf">Engagement Phase 2 – 2021 – Public Comment Period Display Panels</a></li><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-video"></i> </span><a href="https://vimeo.com/644519063">Engagement Phase 2 – 2021 – Open House Presentation</a></li><li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-video"></i> </span><a href="https://vimeo.com/644519129">Engagement Phase 2 – 2021 – Chilco Community Meeting Presentation</a></li><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-file"></i> </span><a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/Postcard-Feedback-Stanley_Park_Water_Supply_Tunnel-29_Jul_2021.pdf">Engagement Phase 2 – 2021 – Feedback Highlights</a><br></li><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-file"></i> </span><a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/chilco-street-shaft-site-community-meeting-display-panels.pdf">Engagement Phase 3 – 2023 – Chilco Street Shaft Site Community Meeting Display Panels</a></li><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span><a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/community-open-house-display-panels.pdf">Engagement Phase 3 – 2023 – Community Open House Display Panels</a><br></li><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span>
<a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel-engagement-summary-phase-3.pdf">Engagement Phase 3 – 2023 – Public Engagement Summary</a><br></li><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span><a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/Stanley-Park-Water-Supply-Tunnel-Community-Open-House-Display-Panels-Nov-7-2024.pdf">Engagement Phase 4 – 2024 – Community Open House Display Panels</a><br></li><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-file"></i></span><a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel-phase-4-public-engagement-summary.pdf">Engagement Phase 4 – 2025 – Public Engagement Summary</a><br></li></ul>
<p>
<strong>Newsletters</strong></p><ul class="fa-ul"><li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i> </span><a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel-newsletter-2025-03-27.pdf" target="_blank">2025 – March 27 – Construction Preparations Progressing at All Three Shaft Sites</a><br></li><li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i> </span><a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel-chilco-street-shaft-site-newsletter-2025-02-20.pdf" target="_blank">2025 – February 20 – Upcoming Work at Chilco Street Shaft Site</a><br></li><li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i> </span><a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel-newsletter-phase-4-engagement-summary-2025-02-19.pdf" target="_blank">2025 – February 19 – Phase 4 Engagement Summary</a><br></li><li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i> </span>
<a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel-chilco-street-shaft-site-mobilization-newsletter.pdf" target="_blank">2025 – January 24 – Construction Preparations Underway at Chilco Street Shaft Site</a><br></li><li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i> </span>
<a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/Newsletter-Mobilization-at-Burrard-Shaft-Site-Stanley-Park-Water-Supply-Tunnel-January-2025.pdf">2025 - January 17 - Construction Preparations at Burrard Shaft Site</a><br></li><li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i> </span>
<a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/construction-preparations-at-centre-shaft-newsletter-stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel.pdf">2024 – December 17 – Construction Preparations at Centre Shaft Site </a></li><li>
<span class="fa-li"><i class="fa-light fa-file"></i> </span><a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel-newsletter-engagement-summary-phase-3-2023-12-29.pdf">2023 - December 29 - Phase 3 Engagement Summary</a></li><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-file"></i> </span>
<a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/newsletter-new-project-schedule-stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel.pdf">2023 - June 1 - New Project Schedule</a><br></li></ul></div> |
| Related links | Related links | <div class="ExternalClass074A0071DED847F7BD162280E05A3321"><ul class="fa-ul"><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-link"></i></span>
<a href="/services/water/the-regional-system" target="_blank" title="Regional Drinking Water System">Regional Drinking Water System</a></li><li>
<span class="fa-li">
<i class="fa-light fa-link"></i></span><a href="https://www.itsalldrinkingwater.ca/">Water conservation tips</a><br></li></ul> </div> |