Residents in Colwood and six other Greater Victoria municipalities are being asked to let the Capital Regional District borrow up to $34.84 million for wastewater system upgrades through a process that puts the decision directly in their hands unless enough people object.
The Alternative Approval Process, launched June 18 by the CRD, gives eligible voters until July 31, 2026, to file a response form if they oppose the borrowing. If fewer than 25,259 of the roughly 252,590 electors in Victoria, Esquimalt, Saanich, Oak Bay, View Royal, Langford, and Colwood submit an objection, the CRD Board can greenlight the loan after the results are presented on September 9, 2026.
Money from the loan would go toward repairing and upgrading aging sewer lines, manholes, and pump stations, as well as planning Canada’s first biochar system at the Hartland Landfill Residuals Treatment Facility. The Australian company Pyrocal PTY Ltd. has been chosen to provide the technology, which turns treated sewage solids into a charcoal-like material that locks in carbon and shrinks the amount of leftover waste.
The total Core Area Wastewater capital plan for 2026–2030 is $100.05 million, of which up to $59.29 million is planned to be funded through borrowing. The CRD is already authorized to borrow $24.45 million; Bylaw No. 4699 seeks approval for an additional $34.84 million. The work also affects wastewater service provided to the Kosapsum and Songhees Nations under agreements with the CRD.
Finished response forms must reach the CRD by 4:30 p.m. on Friday, July 31. The results are expected to be presented to the board in early September.
