AECOM, a global leader in infrastructure, has announced that its joint venture with Jacobs Consultancy Canada has been selected by Metro Vancouver to provide preliminary engineering services for the upgrade of the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant. This project is part of Metro Vancouver’s ongoing efforts to enhance its wastewater infrastructure to meet increasing regulatory demands and to protect public health and the environment as the region continues to grow.
The Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant, built in 1963, plays a crucial role in serving Metro Vancouver’s residents. The facility processes around 200 billion liters of wastewater annually and serves approximately 750,000 residents in the region. The plant upgrades are designed to improve water quality, align with Metro Vancouver’s carbon neutrality goals, and boost the resilience of the wastewater treatment process to the impacts of climate change.
“We’re excited to partner with Metro Vancouver on this important project,” said Beverley Stinson, Chief Executive of AECOM’s global Water business. “As the leading water design firm in the industry, we are ready to support Metro Vancouver’s investment in sustainable infrastructure. This project reflects the global trend toward investing in resilient infrastructure to address water supply challenges, and we look forward to applying our expertise in advanced water treatment technologies to upgrade the Iona Island facility, ensuring it meets the highest environmental standards and contributes to the region’s sustainability efforts.”
AECOM and Jacobs Consultancy Canada will provide a range of preliminary engineering services for the Iona Island project, including design and project planning oversight. The primary goal of the project is to ensure that the upgraded facility meets the regulatory standards required to improve water quality and enhance operational efficiency. Metro Vancouver’s long-term vision includes minimizing environmental impact while maintaining high standards of water treatment to safeguard public health.
Metro Vancouver’s commitment to reducing its environmental footprint is central to the upgrade. The region has a strong focus on advancing its climate resilience, and this project will help it meet its objectives of improving wastewater treatment while also supporting carbon neutrality initiatives. Through these upgrades, Metro Vancouver aims to meet growing demands for clean water and enhance the region’s ability to address climate change impacts.
“We’re proud to be a trusted partner on this critical upgrade project,” said Richard Barrett, Chief Executive of AECOM’s Canada region. “Our team’s deep understanding of the region’s unique environmental challenges, combined with our extensive experience in local water and wastewater treatment projects, will be instrumental in enhancing Metro Vancouver’s wastewater treatment capabilities. This work will help protect the natural environment while providing sustainable and effective treatment solutions for the growing community.”
The Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade is expected to be a significant step forward in ensuring Metro Vancouver’s water treatment facilities are prepared to handle future challenges, both in terms of regulatory requirements and the growing needs of the population. The project is part of a larger effort by Metro Vancouver to modernize its infrastructure to support long-term sustainability and resilience, creating a cleaner, healthier environment for residents.
AECOM’s partnership with Jacobs Consultancy Canada is a key part of the project, bringing together both firms’ extensive expertise in water treatment and infrastructure development. The collaboration will focus on developing sustainable solutions that address Metro Vancouver’s current and future wastewater treatment needs while ensuring the least possible environmental impact. The preliminary engineering services will provide the foundation for the detailed design and execution of the plant upgrade, which will be critical in meeting the region’s water treatment objectives.
As Metro Vancouver moves forward with the Iona Island Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade, AECOM and Jacobs Consultancy Canada are committed to delivering innovative and environmentally responsible solutions that will support the region’s long-term goals for water quality, sustainability, and climate resilience.
