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Sewer
About Quathiaski Cove Sewer System
The Quathiaski Cove Sanitary Sewerage System is located on the west side of Quadra Island, specifically at Quathiaski Cove. It is owned and operated by the Strathcona Regional District (SRD). The system serves approximately 216 property owners by collecting, treating and disposing of sewage. The provision of sewer service is currently governed by Bylaw No. 173, known as the Quathiaski Cove Sewer Rates and Regulations Bylaw 2013.
To ensure the financial stability of the service and to achieve the objectives outlined in the Quathiaski Cove Village Plan, it is crucial that all properties within the service area, where possible, are connected to the sewer system.
Map of Sewer System
Quathiaski Cove Sewer System Map
New Connections
Please note that for new connections or to connect an additional dwelling to the sewer system, you must submit an application to connect and pay the applicable fees.
Please contact SRD Engineering if you have any questions.
Application for Connection to Q Cover Sewer System
User Rates and Payments
The SRD recovers the cost of the Community Sewer Service through user fees. These fees are increased as needed when the predicted service costs exceed the current user fee rates. Adjusting the fees helps save for future replacement and provide funds for interim repairs to maintain the functionality of the existing system.
2025 Rates
Sewer use rates increased by seven percent for residential classes and 14 percent for non-residential.
View – 2025 – Letter to Residents
| Customer Classification | 2024 Rate | 2025 Rate | Amount ($) Change | Per Cent (%) Changes |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| Residential | $982 | $1,050 | $68 | 7% |
| Commercial | $3,919 | $4,472 | $553 | 14% |
| Schools | $25,461 | $29,026 | $3,565 | 14% |
| Other (Government and Police) | $2,938 | $3,360 | $422 | 14% |
| Business Unit | $979 | $1,120 | $141 | 14% |
| Residential - STEP | $934 | $1,000 | $66 | 7% |
2026 Rates
In 2026, the SRD will review non-residential rate classifications to ensure it remains relevant to current user types and servicing needs.
Payment Methods
You can pay for sewer service by:
- Email: contact utilities@srd.ca or 250-830-6717 to receive utility invoices by email.
- Online banking: available using your financial institution’s bill payment service.
- Mailed cheque: cheques with detachable portion of bill can be mailed to 301-990 Cedar St., Campbell River, B.C. V9W 7Z8. Cheques can be postdated to the due date.
- In person payment: visit the SRD Customer Service Centre, 990 Cedar St., Campbell River, B.C. and pay by debit card, Visa, Mastercard, cheque or cash.
Wastewater Treatment Plant Updates
The SRD purchased the current wastewater treatment plant (WWTP) second-hand in 1994. It utilizes a Rotating Biological Contactor (RBC) as its main component. RBCs with a short shaft design, like the one in the wastewater treatment plant, typically have a lifespan of 25–30 years before experiencing significant failures. With the WWTP now over 31 years old, it is approaching the end of its operational life. The equipment has performed better than expected in recent years, but the risks of irreversible failures are becoming more realistic. Since the beginning of 2023, two breakdowns of the RBC have occurred, and it is anticipated that the frequency, impact on operations and repair costs of such breakdowns will increase. Additionally, the pumps responsible for moving the effluent through the treatment system and the roof of the electrical building also require replacement.
Moving forward, the SRD’s goal is to replace the existing plant in order to improve the treatment capacity to meet current demands and plan for potential future expansion of the service area. In 2021, the SRD applied for a grant to assist with the funding of this replacement but was unsuccessful. The SRD will continue to apply for future grant opportunities, although most grants require a financial contribution from the applicants. By increasing the service’s reserves, the SRD will be better prepared to finance the new treatment plant, cover major repair costs in the interim, or contribute to the project if an infrastructure grant is awarded.
Sewer System Capacity Study
In 2023, the SRD was awarded $10,000 to complete a capacity study at the WWTP through the Local Government Grant Act. The objectives of the study included:
- Update the sewage treatment plant daily discharge volumes and rainfall graphics to present
- Review of sewage flows to estimate average and maximum day inflow and infiltration
- Development of design flows to estimate average and maximum per day
- Review of gravity main capacity vs design flows and identification of main require upgrading
- Comparison of design flows to treatment capacity and sewage discharge permit licensed limits
- Review of outfall capacity vs design flows
- Development of future development scenarios and projection of when discharge permit limits might be reached
- Final report with recommendations
The Regional District continues to seek funding opportunities to replace the Sewer System and ensure the long-term sustainability of the community.
History of the Sewer System
The establishment of the system was a result of a voter-approved referendum in 1992/93. On May 30, 1994, the SRD formally established its service through the passing of Bylaw No. 1588. This bylaw outlines the processes involved in the collection, conveyance, treatment and disposal of sewage for the lands within the Local Service Area.
In late 2017, the SRD completed an extension of the system, allowing an additional 43 properties to be connected. This extension was in line with the community’s sustainability goals, particularly in protecting the environment and supporting the development of a village hub in the Quathiaski Cove area.
Contacts
- During working hours (8:30 am - 4:30 pm, Mon - Fri), please contact SRD Engineering Department 250-830-6179 | engineering@srd.ca
- For after-hours emergencies involving the Quathiaski Cove Sewer System, please contact Russell Avon at 250-204-1702