The City of Calgary is set to begin construction on significant upgrades to the Fish Creek Wastewater Treatment Plant, including Alberta’s first wastewater heat recovery system. The project was awarded to Graham on January 29, 2025.
The upgrades will improve plant efficiency, increase capacity, and reduce greenhouse gas emissions by 1,600 tonnes of CO2 annually—equivalent to removing 330 cars from the road. Key improvements include odour control, sludge processing facilities, a UV disinfection upgrade, and new administrative buildings.
The $547 million project ensures the plant can support Calgary’s growing population while advancing the city’s climate goals. The innovative heat recovery system will capture thermal energy from treated wastewater to heat the facility, making it the first of its kind in Alberta and the second in Canada.
By upgrading the existing plant rather than decommissioning it and building a new one, the city is saving between $120 million and $200 million. Officials emphasize that this investment strengthens Calgary’s leadership in sustainable infrastructure.
