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New Westminster Water Main Break - February 2025

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Metro Vancouver has completed repairs to the water main.

Reviews of the cause of the break are still underway. We anticipate being able to share the findings of the review on the cause of the break this summer.

We appreciate your continued patience as we complete this important phase of the recovery.​​


​​​We understand that the water main break in New Westminster has caused significant disruption, and we are working collaboratively with other responders to resolve this situation as quickly and safely as possible.​

Our teams have been working diligently with the City of New Westminster,​ first responders, and emergency personnel to manage the impacts and restore services. We appreciate your patience, resilien​ce, and cooperation as we repair the break, and will continue to support other responders as recovery from the break is underway.

While repairs to the wate​r main are now largely com​plete, final steps, including disinfection and water quality testing, are ongoing. Metro Vancouver continues to monitor water quality and system stability, and further updates will be provided as needed.​

Turning off​ water mains – how it’s done and why it takes time

The water main that experienced the break was a 36” pipe. These kinds of large transmission water mains require multiple valves to be closed in a specific sequence. This ensures water continues to flow where needed while minimizing disruption to residents and critical facilities. If water is turned off too quickly, it can cause breaks or damage in other parts of the system and can disrupt water quality.

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Parking

The City of New Westminster is managing parking regulations and concerns. Parking restrictions may be in place to accommodate maintenance vehicles. For questions or concerns regarding parking please contact New Westminster Par​king Services at 604-519-2010 or parking@newwestcity.ca.

Water main diameter 0.9 m

​Noise, generators​, and elevators

Metro Vancouver understands that power and elevator service disruptions have impacted residents. However, issues related to building generators and elevator restoration fall outside of Metro Vancouver’s ability to assist. Metro Vancouver cannot perform work on private property.

Strata councils should contact their insurers, adjusters, or brokers for assistance and updates regarding these matters. Any questions or concerns regarding repairs, insurance claims, or service timelines should be directed to the appropriate strata representatives. For further assistance, residents are encouraged to reach out to their building management or strata council.

Residents may experience increased noise levels due to heavy equipment, pumps, and generators operating in the area. For questions or concerns regarding noise please contact New Westminster Engineering Department at 604-527-4592.

Insurance claims​

If you have sustained any loss or damage to your home or property, your first step should be to contact your insurance broker. Metro Vancouver cannot do any work on private property in relation to any potential loss; therefore, it is your responsibility to mitigate any damages that have occurred or that may be ​​ongoing.

The Local Government Act requires that the Regional District Corporate Officer receive a Notice of Claim within two months of the date of loss. Once a completed form has been received, Metro Vancouver will acknowledge receipt of the notice and investigate the incident. Metro Vancouver will formulate a decis​ion and inform you whether or not Metro Vancouver will be providing compensation for the specific circumstances.


Contact​


Risk Management
  • Email ​​
  • 604-436-6997​​​​

Making a claim


​​To file a claim with Metro Vancouver for damages or injury, submit a 'Notice of Claim' form using one of the forms below.​​​​
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