A coalition of Metro Vancouver municipal councillors is urging Premier David Eby to overturn a behind-closed-doors decision by the Metro Vancouver Board to suspend an independent review of the beleaguered North Shore Wastewater Treatment Plant—now billions over budget and years behind schedule.
“On Friday, July 25, the Metro Vancouver Board voted in-camera to suspend the promised independent review until its court case against Acciona is resolved—even though the trial won’t begin for another two years,” said New Westminster Councillor Daniel Fontaine. “Metro Vancouver continues to show that transparency is simply not part of its operating culture. We are calling on the Premier to do the right thing—overturn the Board’s secret vote and allow the review to proceed as planned.”
Richmond Councillor Kash Heed criticized the board for what he described as an act of political self-preservation.
“This decision was taken in secrecy and kept from public view because the board is trying to avoid accountability ahead of the 2026 municipal elections,” said Heed. “Taxpayers want answers—not more delays and cover-ups. Premier Eby must act to restore public trust and ensure this review continues. How much more proof does he need that Metro Vancouver is prioritizing its own political protection over the interests of taxpayers?”
Surrey Councillor Linda Annis noted that without an independent review, taxpayers will remain in the dark—especially if the legal dispute ends in a confidential settlement.
“The Premier himself called for an independent review,” said Annis. “Now Metro Vancouver has reneged on that commitment. If this ends in a private settlement, taxpayers will be left with zero transparency and billions in cost overruns. We need the province to step in and protect the public interest—not Metro Vancouver’s reputation.”
Burnaby Councillor Richard T. Lee added: “Let’s be clear—this news was dumped late on a Friday, which in political circles is known as ‘take out the trash day.’ Metro Vancouver clearly wanted as little public attention as possible. That tells you everything you need to know about their priorities.”
