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Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel

​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​​

You’re Invited to Our Community Open House!

Join us at a drop-in community open house to meet the project team, receive updated information on our plans, and ask questions about project developments.

Date: November 1, 2023​

Time: 4:30 pm to 6:30 pm

Location: Vancouver Rowing Club - 450 Stanley Park Dr, Vancouver



 

 

Stanley Park Water Supply TunnelStanley Park Water Supply Tunnel<div class="ExternalClass286AE583F7F64A57955E58188573E05D"><p>To meet the growing demand for drinking water in the region, Metro Vancouver is planning to construct a major water infrastructure project, called the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel, deep under Stanley Park. The new water supply tunnel will replace an existing water main that was built in the 1930s and is at the end of its service life.<br></p><p>Metro Vancouver is planning to tunnel deep underground to build a new water main and two valve chambers. The valve chambers will house underground pipe and valves to control the flow of water through the mains in the area. The new main and valve chambers will then be connected to the existing water distribution system.</p><p>To excavate the tunnel, install the water main and build the valve chambers, three shafts will be constructed in Stanley Park. The shaft locations, along with the tunnel alignment and construction process, were carefully selected based on rigorous geotechnical, environmental, archaeological, technological and traffic studies. At all three shaft sites, the construction areas will be restored to equal or better condition.<br></p><p>The project is in the detailed design stage and construction is expected to begin in late 2024 through 2029. When complete, the new tunnel will meet current seismic standards, help ensure the continued reliable delivery of high-quality drinking water to the cities of Vancouver and Richmond, and increase the capacity of the existing system for the region’s growing population.<br></p><p> <i class="fa-light fa-file">​</i> <a href="/services/water/ConstructionDocuments/fact-sheet-stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel.pdf" target="_blank">Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel project fact sheet​​</a> </p>​ </div>City of Vancouver

 

 

 

 

stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel-key-project-locationshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/water/ConstructionImages/_t/stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel-key-project-locations_jpg.jpgstanley-park-water-supply-tunnel-key-project-locations
Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel - Truck Routeshttps://metrovancouver.org/services/water/ConstructionImages/_t/stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel-truck-routes_jpg.jpgStanley Park Water Supply Tunnel - Truck Routes
Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel - Cross Sectionhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/water/ConstructionImages/_t/stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel-cross-section_jpg.jpgStanley Park Water Supply Tunnel - Cross Section
Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel - Tunnelling Processhttps://metrovancouver.org/services/water/ConstructionImages/_t/stanley-park-water-supply-tunnel-tunnelling-process_jpg.jpgStanley Park Water Supply Tunnel - Tunnelling Process

 

 

Burrard Inlet Shaft Sitehttps://metrovancouver.org/services/water/burrard-inlet-shaft-site, Burrard Inlet Shaft SiteBurrard Inlet Shaft Site<div class="ExternalClassF960DEA5B9B44D468D19B279B49906B6"><p>​<span id="ms-rterangecursor-start"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end"></span><br></p></div>
Centre Shaft Sitehttps://metrovancouver.org/services/water/centre-shaft-site, Centre Shaft SiteCentre Shaft Site<div class="ExternalClass18CCE578FACB44CCAC0DAC99F7433609"><p>​<span id="ms-rterangecursor-start"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end"></span><br></p></div>
Chilco Street Shaft Sitehttps://metrovancouver.org/services/water/chilco-street-shaft-site, Chilco Street Shaft SiteChilco Street Shaft Site<div class="ExternalClass774036E3B8F8497198D161A33D4250EC"><p>​<span id="ms-rterangecursor-start"></span><span id="ms-rterangecursor-end"></span><br></p></div>

 

 

 

Project activitiesProject 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/burrard-inlet-shaft-site">Burrard Inlet shaft site</a></li><li><a href="/services/water/centre-shaft-site">Centre shaft site</a></li><li><a href="/services/water/chilco-street-shaft-site">Chilco Street shaft site</a></li></ul></div>
Work hoursWork 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 mitigationImpact 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 planRestoration 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 engagementFirst 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 engagementCommunity engagement<div class="ExternalClassB7613116134C49388AD6A0B31C0ADECC"><p>Between 2017 and 2021, Metro Vancouver conducted two phases of community engagement on the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel project.</p><p><strong>Phase 1 – September 2017 to November 2017: Preliminary Design Phase</strong></p><ul><li>During this phase of engagement Metro Vancouver worked with stakeholders and the public to identify project impacts and community values, priorities, and concerns.</li></ul><p><strong>Phase 2 – January 2021 to August 2021: Detailed Design Phase</strong></p><ul><li>During this phase of engagement Metro Vancouver worked with stakeholders and the public to discuss strategies and ideas for managing project impacts during construction.</li></ul><p>Metro Vancouver staff notified and built awareness of the project with the community and stakeholders during the community engagement 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>A print ad in the Vancouver Sun</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. A community liaison is also available to address any public questions or concerns and will continue to be available throughout the project.</p>​<br></div>
What we heardWhat 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-sepia mv-table-heading-sepia mv-table-border uk-table-striped"><thead><tr><th>What we heard</th><th>​​What we’re doing</th></tr></thead><tbody><tr><td>​​​ <p>Concerns about noise</p></td><td>​​ <p><strong>Noise at the Chilco Street shaft site:</strong><br></p><p>We will develop and implement a Noise and Vibration Management Plan and take active measures to reduce noise impacts on our West End neighbours.</p><p>The Chilco Street shaft site will not be used to excavate the tunnel, drastically reducing potential noise impacts for nearby residents.</p><p>Metro Vancouver and its contractors will also adhere to the City of Vancouver’s noise bylaw requirements or approved variances to limit work in early mornings, evenings, weekends, and holidays.</p><p>We will also 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. We will also require the construction contractor to turn equipment off when it’s not in use and maintain equipment properly.</p> <br> <p><strong>Noise at the centre shaft site:</strong><br></p><p>To address construction noise concerns at the centre shaft site, we will implement a Noise and Vibration Management Plan.</p><p>We will construct a sound barrier at the centre shaft site to proactively reduce noise from the excavation process.</p><p>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.</p><p>We will also require the construction contractor to turn equipment off when it’s not in use and maintain equipment properly.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Concerns about wildlife and the natural environment</p></td><td>​​ <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>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> <br> <p><strong>Protecting wildlife:</strong><br></p><p>Stanley Park is a thriving natural wildlife habitat and we understand concerns about potential construction impacts on the park’s wildlife.</p><p>We will develop and implement a Wildlife Management Plan and undertake a bioenvironmental impact assessment to ensure that wildlife in the area are protected.</p><p>Our construction schedules will also take into consideration migratory patterns, roosting and breeding seasons, along with the movements and paths of animals that reside inside the park.​</p> <br> <p><strong>Site restoration:</strong><br></p><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, and will include public engagement throughout the process.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Concerns about air quality</p></td><td>​​ <p><strong>Air quality:</strong><br></p><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 water and sweep the streets to help control dust and mitigate construction impacts.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Concerns about truck traffic</p></td><td>​​ <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>We will ensure that trucks enter the area via designated City of Vancouver trucking routes along West Georgia Street, Denman Street and Davie Street. Trucks will access the site from Alberni Street and exit along Robson Street.</p><p>Trucks that travel along Chilco Street will do so within the construction area. It is expected that truck traffic in this area will decrease as construction progresses.</p> <br> <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> <br> <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.</p><p>Stanley Park Drive will also be reduced to one lane of traffic, during working hours, to allow construction trucks to access the site.</p></td></tr><tr><td><p>Concerns about pedestrian and cyclist safety</p></td><td>​​ <p><strong>​Keeping people moving safely around construction sites:</strong><br></p><p>Safety is a top priority. We will implement a Traffic Management Plan to ensure that pedestrians, cyclists and traffic continue to move smoothly and safely through the area.</p><p>We will relocate bike and pedestrian paths around construction sites to maintain safe and uninterrupted passage. We will also ensure that trucks will only access the area via designated routes and will provide traffic control signage to reduce congestion and confusion, as needed.</p></td></tr></tbody></table>​​<br></div>
Project materialsProject materials<div class="ExternalClass68C8370C40D04252905C6FD53B4C971E"><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" target="_blank">Fact Sheet – ​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" target="_blank">Fact Sheet – Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel – Burrard Inlet 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-centre-shaft-site.pdf" target="_blank">Fact Sheet – 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" target="_blank">Fact Sheet – Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel – Chilco Street Shaft Site​​​</a></li><li> <span class="fa-li"> <i class="fa-light fa-link"></i> </span>​<a href="/services/water/the-regional-system" target="_blank">Learn about Metro Vancouver’s drinking water system</a></li></ul><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" target="_blank">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" target="_blank">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" target="_blank">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" target="_blank">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" target="_blank">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" target="_blank">Engagement Phase 2 – 2021 – ​Feedback Highlights</a></li></ul>​<br></div>
Related linksRelated links<div class="ExternalClass074A0071DED847F7BD162280E05A3321"><p><i class="fa-light fa-link">​</i><a href="/services/water/the-regional-system">Regional Drinking Water System</a></p><p><i class="fa-light fa-link">​</i><a href="/welovewater">We Love Water​​</a></p><p><i class="fa-light fa-link">​</i><a href="/welovewater/lawn-watering">Lawn Watering Regulations​​</a></p>​​​​</div>

 

 

 

 

Stanley Park Water Tunnel Introduction 2021Stanley Park Water Tunnel Introduction 2021566349888

 Related links

 

 

Late 2016 – Mid-2018Late 2016 – Mid-2018<div class="ExternalClass1FEAD9D673204002B0C12F34E9F16459"><p>​​Conceptual Design​​<br></p></div>0
Mid-2018 – Fall 2019Mid-2018 – Fall 2019<div class="ExternalClass371CB7314612459CA80FDCBD2689CF08">​Preliminary Design</div>0
Fall 2019 – Early 2023Fall 2019 – Early 2023<div class="ExternalClassADC9D8B77D5E492EB7CF488849827559">​Detailed Design</div>1
Late 2024 - 2029Late 2024 - 2029<div class="ExternalClass6EC32531C87F4BCCA637B2A695F13342">​Construction</div>0

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