Wastewater Infrastructure Expansion Announced

Federal, provincial, and municipal governments are making a joint investment of over $139 million towards the first phase of the Riverhead Wastewater Treatment Facility expansion.

Upgrades to the Riverhead facility will increase primary water treatment capacity and will include design and site preparation for a future secondary treatment facility. Work at this stage will allow the facility to move one step closer to meeting the federal standards of the Wastewater Systems Effluent Regulations, which set national standards for how wastewater must be treated before being released into the environment.

This important project will ensure that residents of St. John’s will receive better wastewater treatment, support cleaner waterways and have the infrastructure in place to build more homes. 

The federal government is investing $69,639,116 in this project through the National and Regional Projects program of the Provincial-Territorial Infrastructure Component of the New Building Canada Fund. The Government of Newfoundland and Labrador and municipal governments will both contribute $34,819,558. The City of St. John’s will cover 81% of the municipal costs, which is approximately $28 million, while Mount Pearl will cover 14% and the Town of Paradise 5%.

This collaborative investment represents a historic milestone for the city, marking what will become the largest infrastructure project ever undertaken by the City of St. John’s.

Phase 1 is projected to span approximately five years, with procurement for design consultants to take place in 2026. Site preparation construction is anticipated to begin in 2028, once geotechnical detailed design is complete.

The City recognizes that construction work may cause disruption for residents in the surrounding area. We are committed to minimizing impacts wherever possible, providing regular project updates, and proactively communicating upcoming construction activities and potential effects. As part of this effort, the City will engage with various interested parties to ensure they receive timely and relevant information throughout the project. The City of St. John’s has set-up an Engage St. John’s project page, which allows residents and interested parties to learn more about the project, track updates and progress and ask questions.

Phase 2 of the project will involve constructing the secondary treatment facility, pending future funding.

The City of St. John’s has a strategic direction to be a Sustainable City—environmentally, economically, and financially—for today and for future generations. Upgrades to the Riverhead Wastewater Treatment Facility play a key role in advancing this direction.

Quotes:

“Strengthening essential infrastructure, projects like this help unlock future housing opportunities for a growing community. This critical investment in wastewater infrastructure in St. John’s, Mount Pearl, and the Town of Paradise will safeguard local waterways and create a healthier environment.”

- The Honourable Joanne Thompson, Minister of Fisheries and Member of Parliament for St. John’s East

 

“The expansion of the Riverhead Wastewater Treatment Plant is a vital improvement in essential infrastructure for the residents of the St. John’s metropolitan area. This project will put us on the right path to ensuring our region’s wastewater treatment needs are met well into the future.”

- Tom Osborne, Parliamentary Secretary to the President of the Treasury Board and Member of Parliament for Cape Spear

 

“By strengthening essential infrastructure and protecting our waterways, we are helping create healthier, safer places for families to grow and businesses to thrive. When provincial, federal and municipal governments work together, we can deliver the services and supports that make our communities stronger, now and for the future.”

- Honourable Barry Petten, Minister of Transportation and Infrastructure

 

“Through strong partnership across all levels of government, we’re advancing the largest infrastructure project in our city’s history. Expanding the Riverhead Wastewater Treatment Facility is not only essential for meeting modern environmental standards, but it also ensures we can support future growth and new housing development.”
- Danny Breen, Mayor of St. John’s

 

“This project underscores our collective responsibility to environmental stewardship, ensuring the continued protection of the freshwater resources that sustain our communities now and into the future.”

- Dave Aker, Mayor of Mount Pearl

 

“Collaborating with our regional municipal partners and all levels of government on this project ensures that we are balancing fiscal responsibility with environmental stewardship and in doing so, the infrastructure needed to provide essential services to our residents can meet environmental standards.”

- Patrick Martin, Mayor of Paradise