The ACRD and Huu-ay-aht First Nations are exploring the benefits, community interests, and process of connecting the community of Bamfield to Huu-ay-aht First Nations' new Wastewater Treatment Plant. There has been a growing concern over the health of the Bamfield Inlet and potential impacts on human health.

The Anacla Community Wastewater Treatment Plant is now operating and supports the vision of promoting the health and economic development of the Huu-ay-aht First Nations, while also promoting the environmental health and stewardship of the local marine environment. The plant is currently providing sewer connections and processing to Upper Anacla village, Bamfield Marine Sciences Centre (BMSC), and the Bamfield Community School. This new treatment plant has the potential to further reduce the level of contamination in Bamfield Inlet, by expanding its treatment service to further limit the sewage being discharged into the ocean.

Understanding the level of support for a wastewater service in Bamfield is a priority of the ACRD. This process will assess the community’s level of interest and will lead to an assent vote (referendum) in the fall of 2024. The residents of Bamfield will determine the future of wastewater services in Bamfield. To stay informed and be part of the conversation, keep an eye on this page for upcoming engagement opportunities and new information being shared.

To find out more information on the East Bamfield Sewer Collection System Referendum and the West Bamfield Sewer Collection System Referendum please visit the ACRD website: https://www.acrd.bc.ca/bamfieldreferendum

Referendum information includes:

• Voting Dates & Times
• Referendum Questions
• Bylaw Information
• Voter Qualifications
• How to Request a Mail Ballot Application
• Scrutineer Information

Open Houses

Thanks to all the people who took the time to attend the in-person and virtual open houses. We had a great turnout for the meeting on September 15 and shared and gathered lots of information.

If you missed that session, it's not too late to learn more. Follow this LINK to watch the recording of the fall virtual open house.

All materials from the Open Houses will be available on the Let's Connect page following the Open Houses. Do you have questions about the project and information shared to date? Scroll to the bottom of the page to submit your question, and a project team member will get back to you!

Project Information

Assent Vote (Referendum)

For information regarding the Bamfield Sewer Connection Referendum please check out the dedicated page on the ACRD's website.

Previous Community Engagement

We understand the importance of keeping the community informed and engaged as this process moves along. Since 2023, several virtual and in-person engagement events have taken place to share information and answer questions from the community. Summaries of the engagement discussions and presentation materials from previous events can be found on the right-hand side of the page.

Background

Currently residences and businesses in Bamfield rely on septic systems, with some properties depositing sewage into the Inlet. Septic field replacement costs are increasing and are expected to be a considerable cost as systems begin to fail. For these reasons, the ACRD Board passed a resolution to explore the level of support for bringing the benefits of the wastewater plant into the community of Bamfield.

Key features of HFN’s new wastewater treatment plant include:

Enhanced water quality: Advanced technologies can significantly improve the quality of treated wastewater before it is released back into the environment. This improves the protection of local water bodies and aquatic life.

Compliance with regulations: The new facility has been designed to meet or exceed relevant environmental regulations and standards set by provincial and federal authorities. This commitment to compliance helps safeguard the natural beauty and ecological balance of our region.

Sustainable practices: The wastewater treatment plant incorporates sustainable practices to minimize its environmental impact. It includes energy-efficient systems and water recycling processes.

Capacity for growth: The new wastewater treatment plant has been designed to accommodate additional capacity helping ensure the community’s wastewater needs can be met more effectively in the long term.

Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act Notice: Personal information contained on this form is collected under the Freedom of Information and Privacy Act Section 26 (c) and will be used only for the purpose of the Bamfield Sewer Connection Community Interest Project. Enquiries about the collection or use of information in this form can be directed to Cynthia Dick at cynthiad@acrd.bc.ca.