Background

The District of Ucluelet commissioned the 2023 Sanitary Sewer Master Plan, which identified significant capacity limitations affecting the Official Community Plan’s (OCP) projected growth. After further review and analysis of the system, it was determined there were a number of bottlenecks that could halt development approvals until key projects were implemented.

In 2024, the District commissioned an update to the Sanitary Sewer Master Plan to reflect the most recent growth projections, which had shifted from the OCP’s original estimates. The Master Plan identified that certain projects were needed immediately with additional projects necessary over 5-year, 10-year, and 20-year horizons.

The 2026 Sanitary Sewer Projects address the projects needed immediately which include upgrades in the Hemlock Road, Helen Road, and Big Beach areas.

Scope

Hemlock Road Area

The existing lift station at Hemlock Road will be replaced with a new lift station on Waterfront Drive. This is due to capacity and condition issues.  The replacement of the lift station involves replacement and upsizing of the existing gravity main on Hemlock Road from Waterfront Drive to Lyche Road and a new gravity main and force main on Waterfront Drive.

Helen Road Area

The Helen Road Area sanitary sewer project involves the replacement and upsizing of the existing gravity main along Marine Drive from Rupert Road to Helen Road and along Helen Road from Marine Drive to 1136 Helen Road. The alignment of the sewers run on the south side of Marine Drive and along the west side of Helen.

Big Beach

The existing lift station on Marine Drive will be upgraded with new pumps and controls. The project also involves replacement and upsizing of the gravity sewer main along Marine Drive from Rainforest Drive to the lift station, and replacement and upsizing of the force main on Marine Drive from the lift station to Matterson Drive, and on Matterson Drive from Marine Drive to Victoria Road.  The alignment of the sewers run on the north side of Marine Drive and along the west side of Matterson Drive.

Anticipated Impacts

Working hours will be Monday to Friday from 7am to 6pm. As this project will involve trenching and deep excavations, anticipated impacts are likely to include temporary changes to traffic patterns and noise from heavy machinery.

Access to residences and businesses will be coordinated by the contractor. Temporary ramps or walkways may in place at times to maintain access.

The project will utilize a material staging area in the gravel parking lot at Seaplane Base Road as shown below:

Schedule

The overall project completion is planned for November 2026. While the schedule is subject to change depending on various factors including weather, unknown conditions, material lead times, and contractor’s sequencing of work, the following are some approximate dates:

Hemlock Road Area

The underground pipe work and surface restoration is planned for February/March 2026 and the pump station civil and mechanical for May 2026. The electrical, commissioning, generator install, and final tie-ins are planned to follow and will depend on equipment lead times.

Helen Road Area

Construction of the Helen Road and Marine Drive sewer is planned to commence in March 2026 and be complete in March 2026.

Big Beach Area

The bulk of the construction on Marine Drive and Matterson is planned to start late January 2026 and be complete by March of 2026, while the pump station work on Marine Drive is planned to follow and will depend on equipment lead times.

Budget

The current approved budget for the works is as follows: