THE Metro Vancouver (Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District) Board on Wednesday approved a settlement agreement with ACCIONA for the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant.
In a joint statement the two sides said: “The Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District and ACCIONA were parties to a Project Agreement to design and construct the North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant (the Project). Issues arose during the Project which resulted in both parties filing lawsuits against the other.”
They added: “The parties have mediated and have reached a settlement agreement wherein ACCIONA provided $235 million to the Greater Vancouver Sewerage and Drainage District. The lawsuits have been resolved.”
METRO Vancouver also announced that an independent review will now proceed.
“The North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant Program is one of the most important projects currently underway for the health and well-being of this region, and we are very aware of residents’ concerns about the project,” said Mike Hurley, Chair of the Metro Vancouver Boards of Directors. “It is important to us at Metro Vancouver to have a thorough, independent review of this project so our residents get the transparency they deserve and Metro Vancouver can continue to strengthen delivery of our critical infrastructure projects.”
Metro Vancouver’s Board initiated the process to explore an independent review in June 2024. The review process had been paused while litigation was before the courts. The litigation has been settled. Settlement provides a clear path forward, avoiding trial and its associated risks, costs, and delays. Metro Vancouver can now focus fully on delivering this critical infrastructure project for the region.
The independent review will have full access to Metro Vancouver’s documents related to the program’s history, finances, governance, and delivery. This review will provide recommendations and support the delivery of its major infrastructure projects.
Next steps of the independent review process, including scope of work and the team to deliver the review, will be considered and discussed at upcoming Metro Vancouver Board meetings.
