The City of Prince Rupert says construction is continuing on several major infrastructure projects across the community, including water and wastewater upgrades, roadwork and park improvements.
In an update released Oct. 27, the city outlined progress on projects under the BIG Project, along with other infrastructure and community improvements.
Work on 11th Avenue East is continuing in two phases. Paving has been completed in some areas of the first phase, but additional work is needed after a gas line was found to be too shallow during paving. Pacific Northern Gas is working to bury the line before paving can be completed between Conrad and Alfred Streets.
The second phase of 11th Avenue East remains under construction as crews replace the water line, with work expected to continue over the coming months.
Construction has also started on 6th Avenue West, where the section between McBride and Thompson Streets is now closed to traffic to allow utility replacements. Work will progress west toward Summit Avenue as replacements are completed.
The city says most replacement work along those sections of 11th Avenue East is complete, although additional work will be needed at the intersection with Alfred Street as commissioning continues.
Several wastewater projects are also advancing. The Park Avenue Wetland Treatment system has been constructed, with commissioning work now underway. Meanwhile, designs for repairs to the outfall near Kwinitsa Station are 75 per cent complete, with construction planned for 2027. Design work is also underway to eliminate Outfall K, with construction also scheduled for next year.
Water supply improvements remain another focus. Equipment purchases for additional water chlorination are complete, with installation planned as part of repairs to a valve chamber in the Crestview and Montreal Circle area. The valve chamber repair designs are finished, and the contract has been awarded to Broadwater.
Design work for a water supply line replacement project is approximately 95 per cent complete, with the overland portion fully designed. The city says the tender package for the submarine line will advance following completion of a review by Fisheries and Oceans Canada.
Planning for a future water treatment plant is also continuing, with the city working to select pilot technology ahead of planned implementation in the spring.
At the Ridley Island Landfill, major work on the lagoon and priority upgrades is underway following the awarding of a contract to Broadwater.
Other projects have recently reached milestones. The city has completed its transition to the new Public Works building, with the property purchase anticipated in 2027. Repairs to the 2nd Avenue Bridge are also complete, and the bridge has reopened to the public.
The 3rd and 4th West stair replacement project is finished, but the stairway remains temporarily closed while BC Hydro replaces infrastructure in the area.
Meanwhile, work on the Mariners Park Memorial Plaza and Japanese Memorial is expected to begin within the next month, with completion targeted for March 31, 2027.
The city says funding for improvements at Odd Eidsvik Park was not secured in 2026. The community is now pursuing additional grant funding and fundraising efforts to move the project forward.
