New Reservoir No.1 & Energy Recovery Project Set to Begin

For Immediate Release

17 AUGUST 2012 - The City of Nanaimo will be replacing the old open-air Reservoir No.1 with a new enclosed reservoir and energy recovery facility in the Colliery Dam Park area. The total cost of the project is budgeted at $11.2 million, including $7.8 million through the federal Gas Tax Fund which is administered by the Union of British Columbia Municipalities (UBCM).  The balance will be funded from City water reserves.

Phase one of construction will begin in late August 2012 and is scheduled to be complete by the end of 2012.  Phase one will include the installation of a new pipeline and clearing of trees at the reservoir site.  The second phase includes the construction of the new reservoir and energy recovery facility and is scheduled to be completed in the spring of 2014.  The new concrete reservoir will be located adjacent to Nanaimo Lakes Rd, just north (east) of the Nanaimo Parkway.

Benefits of the project include:

  • Protection of the quality of clean drinking water, necessary when the new water treatment plant comes on-stream
  • Reduction of greenhouse gas emissions, by generating electricity from the water system, for sale to the BC Hydro grid – enough to power 60-70 homes
  • The provision of fire protection and emergency storage for the City.

For an overview of the project please see the attached project backgrounder and location plan. For more information about the project please contact Bill Sims, Manager, Water Resources, bill.sims@nanaimo.ca or phone 250-756-5302. 

-30-