A new pump station that recently went into operation in New Westminster is an example of how Metro Vancouver seeks to improve local communities with its infrastructure projects.
The $82-million Sapperton Pump Station replaces an existing 50-year-old pump station with a higher capacity facility that will accommodate the needs of our growing region until the year 2060 and beyond.
It will ensure that wastewater from Burnaby, New Westminster, Coquitlam, Port Coquitlam and Port Moody is conveyed to Annacis Island Wastewater Treatment Plant for treatment.
The pump station building design reflects past industrial use — in particular the former Brunette sawmill. The area around the pump station was improved with local riparian wildlife habitat areas on the Brunette River. Metro Vancouver enhanced the site by re-establishing native vegetation, stabilizing stream banks and improving fish habitat.
The site extends the Brunette-Fraser Regional Greenway (a boon for walkers and cyclists), provides a public access point to the Fraser River, and includes a public washroom, public parking, a plaza and interpretive elements, making it an ideal entry point and gathering place for greenway users.