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.

Graham and its joint venture partner have been awarded the $273M construction contract for the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant Renewal Project by the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Corporation. This award follows the joint venture’s successful completion of Phase I early contractor involvement, which included engineering, constructability and pre-construction services for the same project.

The scope of work for the Graham joint venture includes demolition, earthworks, structural fabrication, electrical and instrumentation work, and the construction of concrete foundations and commercial buildings to deliver both new and retrofitted infrastructure. The upgrades will modernize technology and increase the capacity of the facility.

Situated near Moose Jaw, Saskatchewan, the Buffalo Pound Water Treatment Plant provides potable water to over 260,000 residents located in the cities of Regina, Moose Jaw and surrounding areas. The rejuvenated plant will be able to meet the forecasted demands of the regional requirements for potable water for decades.

This is the first Progressive Design Build water project in Canada and these upgrades should prevent any further work on the facility for at least 25 years.

Learn more about Graham’s expertise delivering water and environmental solutions – Navigating the Complexities to Deliver Critical Water Infrastructure Projects