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WEST KELOWNA, B.C. – The largest infrastructure project in City of West Kelowna history has avoided damage from wildfires that continue to ravage the region.

The Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant’s (RVWTP) budget is $75 million with a funding contribution to the City of West Kelowna from the federal and B.C. governments of $41 million under the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund.

West Kelowna Fire Rescue Chief Jason Brolund stated at an Aug.18 press conference while other structures were lost in the early morning of Friday, Aug. 18, significant infrastructure was spared.

“The firefighters battled hard to protect critical infrastructure in the Rose Valley neighbourhood,” Brolund said during the press conference. “That includes the fire hall, the school , the chlorinator, the dam and most significantly the brand new Rose Valley Water Treatment Plant, a $75 million dollar asset that is about to be turned on in our community. I’m happy to report all those structures are still standing, they’re not damaged.”

The project, which is in its final phase of construction, requires the installation of 3.7 kilometres of critical watermain infrastructure in the Sunnyside and West Kelowna Estates neighbourhoods. 

According to a summer 2023 update on the project website, crews are continuing construction of the water treatment plant and treated water reservoir and electrical, mechanical, plumbing and building finishing work is underway.

Outside of the plant, crews have installed the first phase of asphalt pavement and inside the building, office millwork and flooring in the north offices is complete.

Once complete the RVWTP is intended to “eliminate the need for turbidity-related water quality advisories.”

However, at present the City of West Kelowna has implemented Stage 4 water restrictions until further notice, with no outdoor use permitted in order to conserve water for firefighter use.

“For those in the Rose Valley Water system area, with the exception of the Sunnyside/Pritchard system, please adhere to the Do Not Consume Order currently in place. Sunnyside/Pritchard water users remain on a boil water notice,” an Aug. 20 City of West Kelowna news release stated.