Regina City Council Finalizes $28M Capital Financing for Wastewater Plant Biological Upgrades

REGINA, SK — Regina City Council approved a $28-million utility capital bylaw on Saturday to execute critical process upgrades at the McCarthy Boulevard Wastewater Treatment Plant.

Engineering Upgrades and Effluent Quality

The capital project funds the installation of advanced secondary biological nutrient removal (BNR) mixers, fine-bubble aeration diffusers, and tertiary disc filtration units. The environmental upgrades will reduce effluent nitrogen and phosphorus concentrations by over 40%, ensuring compliance with strict provincial discharge standards established by the Water Security Agency.

The project protects the downstream water quality of Wascana Creek and the Qu'Appelle River system, which support agricultural irrigation and recreational fisheries across southern Saskatchewan.

Utility Rates and Infrastructure Sustainability

Municipal utility officials confirmed that the capital expenditure will be financed through existing water utility reserves and low-interest provincial municipal financing, without requiring supplemental water utility rate hikes for residential consumers in 2027.

Environmental conservation groups praised the municipal investment as essential to safeguarding prairie freshwater ecosystems against seasonal nutrient loading.

Construction Timeline

Tenders for specialized mechanical equipment will be issued in October 2026, with on-site installation beginning in January 2027 and system commissioning scheduled for late 2027.