PRRD approves 2027 work on Charlie Lake sewer as part of multi-million dollar upgrade project

FORT ST. JOHN, B.C. — The regional district is continuing forward on major upgrades to the sewer system in Charlie Lake.

During the October 2nd meeting of the Peace River Regional District (PRRD), the board of directors approved a capital improvement plan for the ongoing Charlie Lake sewer improvement project. 

A report from staff to the board included the ‘East Side Capital Improvement Plan’ completed by McElhanney and a breakdown of the budget involved with the Charlie Lake sewer project. 

Work has been ongoing on the Charlie Lake sewer system for years, after a 2023 presentation from McElhanney, a consulting company with offices in Fort St. John, recommended significant repairs and updates to the community’s sewer infrastructure. 

Due to the substantial costs estimated for the project, at least $28 million at the time, the work has been broken up and planned to be completed over several years in multiple contracts. 

In August 2024, a new low-pressure sewer line was approved for installation by the PRRD; in November, a tender was awarded for repairs to the Charlie Lake Lift Station to the tune of just under $1 million; and in July 2025, the PRRD approved a contract for sewer valve replacements estimated to cost $270,000.

According to the October 2nd report, a few of the “primary deficiencies” in the current sewer system include low flows or stagnant water in “many” of the pipes; and closed and inoperable air release valves and seized gate valves “throughout the collection system.”

The plan notes the 2025 Charlie Lake sewer budget is just over $3.3 million, with approximately $2.06 million coming from the Peace River Agreement funds allocated to Electoral Area C and the remaining $1.24 million coming from the Community Works Fund.

According to the report, work will include constructing a lift station on Paradise Street in Charlie Lake at a cost of approximately $1.38 million and twinning about 2,000 metres of sewer line, which is expected to cost about $1.03 million. 

Construction is expected to be completed in 2027, with contractors being sought by the end of 2026 “based on current permitting turnaround times,” according to McElhanney’s report. 

To read the complete East Side Capital Improvement plan, see below.