Shoreline Trail Sanitary Sewer Upgrades

Project Highlights

Preserving Nature Through Trenchless Solutions

The Shoreline Trail and Sanitary Sewer Upgrades Project was more than a critical infrastructure renewal—it was a transformative investment in one of Port Moody’s most beloved public spaces. Confronted with aging sewer mains at risk of failure and a deteriorating multi-use pathway, the City prioritized innovation, sustainability, and accessibility. The project marked a Canadian first: the use of a UV-cured Cured-In-Place Pipe (CIPP) liner for a pressure sewer. This cutting-edge, trenchless technology extended the sewer’s lifespan by over 75 years while dramatically reducing excavation, preserving over 300 mature trees, and protecting environmentally and culturally sensitive lands.

Traditional cut-and-cover methods would have required large-scale excavation through forested, salmon-bearing, and culturally significant areas. Instead, KWL led the City through a comprehensive options analysis, ultimately selecting the UV-cured CIPP liner for its long-term performance and minimal ecological impact. Phased construction and strategic excavation points allowed for the installation of key infrastructure, such as valve chambers for future access, while avoiding disruption to the community and sensitive habitats.

The 1.5 km sewer alignment traversed steep foreshore slopes, CP Rail right-of-way, and ecologically sensitive zones. KWL developed custom bypass solutions using existing infrastructure and modified flow strategies, eliminating the need for additional pumps. The project’s careful sequencing and real-time monitoring ensured that construction avoided key ecological windows—such as the Great Blue Heron nesting season and salmon migrations—while maintaining uninterrupted community service.

Beyond the sewer rehabilitation, the project revitalized the Shoreline Trail. The new multi-use path was constructed over the existing alignment, minimizing ground disturbance while providing a smoother, wheelchair-friendly surface. Stormwater infiltration features were integrated into the trail design, reducing channelization and erosion, and enhancing climate resilience. Educational signage and thoughtful landscaping further enriched the user experience.

Collaboration was essential to the project’s success. Close coordination with the City, Indigenous groups, and other stakeholders ensured that cultural, environmental, and recreational values were upheld. By balancing engineering precision with environmental and cultural stewardship, the Shoreline Trail and Sanitary Sewer Project sets a new benchmark for sustainable urban infrastructure renewal.