McLoughlin Point Wastewater Treatment Plant

Construction

The 108 ML/d McLoughlin Point WWTP was designed to provide enhanced primary and secondary treatment for the Capital Regional District’s core area. Built with capacity to accommodate projected population growth beyond 2040, the plant minimizes future capital costs by incorporating full buildout capabilities, creating a resilient, long-term community asset. The project scope also included construction of the Victoria Harbour force main crossing and a marine outfall to discharge treated effluent into the ocean.

This facility introduces secondary wastewater treatment to the region for the first time, significantly improving effluent quality, enhancing public health, and safeguarding the marine environment. The plant was also constructed with a perimeter wall to protect against tsunamis and future sea-level rise.

The treatment process includes:

• Two high-rate primary plate settlers
• Three Densadeg high-rate settlers
• Three fine screens
• Twelve Biological Aerated Filters (BAF)
• Two Moving Bed Biofilm Reactors (MBBR)
• Three media cloth disc filters
• Provisions for future UV treatment expansion

Graham played a central role in delivering the project, overseeing design coordination, stakeholder engagement, permitting, procurement, construction management, commissioning, and operational planning. The team also self-performed substantial portions of the work, including civil earthworks, structural concrete and steel, process mechanical systems, and water-retaining structures.

Financing

In 2014, Graham Capital, as part of a consortium, was selected as the preferred proponent for the project. However, the initiative was delayed due to the Township of Esquimalt’s rejection of a required zoning variance. In 2016, the Capital Regional District moved forward with the same consortium to develop a revised facility on the original site.

As Co-Developer and Financial Advisor, Graham Capital re-engaged the original lenders, securing financing at previously agreed terms. This involved managing lender due diligence, updating reports to reflect design and pricing changes, and securing reaffirmed financial commitments. The lenders’ trust in Graham’s performance capabilities and financial strength was instrumental in maintaining the original financing structure, which was a key factor in the CRD Board’s decision to proceed.

Graham Capital’s role included managing commercial risk, revising key project documents, overseeing lender engagement, leading a competitive funding process, and supporting the consortium through all phases of the bid and financial close.