Awarded Landmark Project for Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel

As a key partner in the Burrard-Chilco Partnership, we are proud to deliver the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel project. Metro Vancouver’s goal is straightforward: to ensure a reliable supply of high-quality drinking water to Vancouver, Richmond, and Delta for decades to come by replacing the outdated water main, built in the 1930s. The project highlights our commitment to sustainability, innovation, and community-focused development.

1.4-kilometres of resilient infrastructure

The new 1.4-kilometre-long tunnel will be constructed deep beneath Stanley Park. Designed to meet contemporary seismic standards, the infrastructure is built to ensure durability during an earthquake and a long operational life span.

Construction of the tunnel will be achieved by building three shafts within Stanley Park. The two new valve chambers at the Chilco Street and Burrard Inlet Shaft construction sites will connect the new water main and tunnel to the existing infrastructure that brings treated drinking water from the North Shore Mountains. Both these sites will house chambers for underground pipes and valves, and the Chilco Street site will also feature a backup power building to ensure operational reliability. The Central Shaft site, serving as the main construction site, will handle most of the bedrock removal for the tunnel and minimize the impact on the other two shaft sites.

What does construction of the new water supply tunnel involve?

• · Constructing a new water supply tunnel deep under Stanley Park to replace the aging water main.
• · Building three shafts in Stanley Park for tunnel construction and water main installation.
• · Installing a new water main and two valve chambers to ensure seamless integration with existing infrastructure.
• · Implementing seismic resilience measures to meet current seismic standards and enhance infrastructure durability.

Minimizing Environmental Impact: Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel Sustainability Initiatives

Along with Metro Vancouver, the Burrard-Chilco Partnership is committed to minimizing the environmental impact of the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel Project. The project includes several sustainability initiatives designed to protect the park’s ecosystem and promote sustainability. The tunnel and water main are designed to withstand significant seismic events, ensuring long-term infrastructure stability and safety. The new tunnel will also enhance the capacity and efficiency of the water supply system.

The shaft locations, along with the tunnel alignment and construction process, were carefully selected based on rigorous geotechnical, environmental, archaeological, technological and traffic studies. At all three shaft sites, the construction areas will be restored to equal or better condition.

Overcoming the challenges

Complex Construction

Constructing a tunnel deep beneath Stanley Park involves overcoming significant construction challenges, including managing bedrock removal and ensuring the tunnel meets seismic standards. This requires meticulous planning and advanced construction techniques to navigate the complexities of underground work while maintaining safety and structural integrity, provided by EBC’s dedicated Tunnelling and Underground Group.

Environmental Impact

Balancing construction activities with environmental conservation efforts requires careful planning and execution to minimize disruption to the park’s ecosystem. Excavating deep shafts and tunnels beneath Stanley Park are part of the efforts to protect wildlife, preserve natural habitats, and reduce construction noise and emissions.

The Site in Figures

• · Total tunnel length of approximately 1.4 kilometres
• · Up to 50 metres deep below ground
• · 3 shafts: Chilco Street Shaft, Burrard Inlet Shaft, and Centre Shaft
• · Water main diameter of approximately 2.6 metres