Project Update – October 2026
The Marmot sewer main replacement was completed in July 2026, along with a tie-in to the new Whiting Avenue collection system that required permitting through the Ministry of Transportation and Transit.
The new collection system will be completed following the remaining tie-ins for homes on the low side of Whiting Avenue. Engineering consultation for those properties requiring an external lift pump is currently underway, and staff hope that one or two of the less complicated tie-ins can be completed in fall 2026.
While all connection costs are being covered by the SLRD, homeowners must currently obtain a cost estimate from their preferred contractor and submit it to the SLRD for approval.
Despite ongoing outreach by staff, progress has been slower than expected due to limited homeowner response. The SLRD is exploring an alternative process for completing the remaining connections in 2027.
The goal is to complete the Whiting Avenue tie-ins on a schedule that aligns with both annual budgets, and the Ministry of Environment and Parks' timeline to decommission the Bralorne Townsite 2 septic tank by 2031.
Budget - The 2026 budget for the Bralorne sewer service is available as part of the SLRD’s Financial Plan Bylaw No. 1966-2026.
2026 Bralorne Sewer Budget
In 2026, the Marmot sewer main replacement was included in the budget using the Growing Communities Fund grant and is expected to be completed this summer. The Ministry of Transportation and Transit permit was received on October 29, 2025. Whiting Avenue sewer tie-ins are also included in 2026 budget using the Community Works Funds grant.
Project Background
Bralorne's original sewer system was built more than 90 years ago by a mining company operating in the area. The system served 101 properties across two townsites and consisted of underground clay pipes that carried wastewater by gravity to two septic tanks before discharging into Cadwallader Creek.
The SLRD took ownership of the sewer system in 1989, after a private developer was unable to fund planned improvements.
Over time, the aging infrastructure became increasingly difficult to maintain. Parts of the system crossed private properties, making repairs challenging, and the sewer pipes had reached the end of their expected lifespan.
In September 2014, an outfall pipe serving Townsite 1 ruptured and could not be repaired. With approval from the Ministry of Environment, the SLRD installed a replacement pipe, which began operating on October 1, 2014.
The Province also identified the need to bring the system into compliance with wastewater treatment requirements, including secondary treatment to reduce pollutants before treated wastewater entered Cadwallader Creek.
With federal Gas Tax funding announced in February 2016, the SLRD was able to move forward with a major upgrade rather than continue repairing the aging system. The project included new sewer collection infrastructure and a wastewater treatment system designed to meet modern environmental standards.
Additional Information
- June 1, 2016: Bralorne Sewer System - Project Update (Letter to property owners)
- February 12, 2016: Letter to property owners announcing grant and forecast timeline and impacts
- February 12, 2016: Media Release from the Government of Canada announcing the 2016 Gas Tax fund recipients
- February 12, 2016: Media Release from the SLRD regarding the Gas Tax funding for the Bralorne Wastewater Project
- April 2015: Bralorne Community Sewer - System Assessment Study Update Report
- October 10, 2014: Bralorne Sewer System - Status Update (Letter to property owners)
Project History and Archived Updates
The Bralorne Sewer Upgrade began as a major infrastructure improvement project to replace the community's aging sewer system.
Key milestones:
- 2016: The project received approximately $2 million in federal Gas Tax funding to support construction of a new wastewater collection and treatment system.
- 2018–2019: Construction began on the new sewer infrastructure, including collection mains, manholes and a wastewater treatment facility.
- 2020: The new wastewater treatment system was commissioned in September.
- 2021–2022: The SLRD worked with property owners on connections to the new system. The Province extended the operating permit for the old wastewater system to January 1, 2031.
- 2023–2024: Sewer main replacement and residential connections continued, including work on Hawkes Avenue.
- 2025: Planning and permitting continued for the Marmot sewer main replacement and remaining Whiting Avenue connections.