New Wastewater Treatment Plant Celebrates Grand Opening
The Town of Rocky Mountain House, Clearwater County, project partners and funding representatives gathered today to celebrate the official opening of the new regional wastewater treatment plant, a major investment in environmental stewardship, reliable infrastructure and the future growth of the region.
The new facility meets evolving environmental standards while supporting the long-term needs of Rocky Mountain House and Clearwater County residents.
"Today is about much more than opening a new building,” said Mayor Shane Boniface. “Most people will never see what happens inside a wastewater treatment plant. But all of us benefit from it every day. Clean water, reliable services, public health, environmental protection, and responsible growth all depend on infrastructure like this. This facility gives our region the capacity it needs to support future homes, future businesses, and future investment.”
The $30-million project was developed in response to increasingly stringent provincial and federal environmental requirements and the need for sustainable infrastructure to support future growth. The facility features a modern sequencing batch reactor system that provides significantly enhanced wastewater treatment capabilities.
On September 16, 2026, the facility processed 2,709 cubic metres of wastewater, or 2.7 million litres. The plant is designed to accommodate projected average daily flows of 3,983 cubic metres per day by 2046, and has a maximum daily treatment capacity of 11,246 cubic metres.
“When we broke ground on this project, we talked about preparing for the future. Today, we can see that vision become reality,” said Boniface.
The plant will continue to treat wastewater from both Rocky Mountain House and Clearwater County, supporting future residential, commercial and industrial development throughout the region.
"This facility is an important investment in the future of our region, supporting growth, reliable services and opportunities for our communities," said Reeve Jordon Northcott. "Thank you to everyone who helped make this project possible, and congratulations on its completion."
This project is funded in part by the Government of Canada and the Government of Alberta through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program and the Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership Program.
In 2020, the Town received $10,889,200 through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program's Rural and Northern Communities stream, delivered through Infrastructure Canada. The Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership Program, delivered through Alberta Transportation, contributed an additional $9,073,426 toward the project.
The remaining project costs were shared between the Town of Rocky Mountain House and Clearwater County through the Wastewater Treatment Capital Funding Agreement, with the Town contributing 74.6 per cent and Clearwater County contributing 25.4 per cent.
Jody Mercier-Layden, constituency manager for Rimbey-Rocky Mountain House-Sundre MLA and Minister Jason Nixon brought greetings on his behalf. “Today marks the culmination of years of planning, collaboration and investment in critical infrastructure that will benefit this region for decades to come,” she said. “It is more than a construction project: it’s an investment in environmental stewardship, public health, and long-term sustainability for our community.”
Jack Lumley, on behalf of Yellowhead MP William Stevenson, echoed those remarks, saying, “This milestone is a testament to the hard work and cooperation of everyone who helped bring the project to completion, including the Town, the Government of Alberta, project partners, contractors, consultants and staff."
The Town of Rocky Mountain House Council is committed to maintaining resilient infrastructure, supporting responsible growth and ensuring long-term sustainability for future generations. The Town's Strategic Plan identifies infrastructure maintenance and sustainability as key priorities to support economic prosperity and organizational durability.
"This project demonstrates what can be accomplished when governments work together toward a common goal," said Boniface.
About the Project
- Approximate project value: $30 million.
- Features a state-of-the-art sequencing batch reactor system.
- Processes wastewater from Rocky Mountain House and Clearwater County.
- Designed to serve an anticipated population of 9,000 residents.
- Projected average daily flow in 2046: 3,983 cubic metres per day.
- Maximum daily capacity: 11,246 cubic metres per day.
- Meets provincial and federal environmental standards.
- Supports future residential, commercial and industrial growth.
L-R: Deputy Mayor Trevor Kalyn, Councillor Ken Moesker, Councillor Dale Shippelt, Mayor Shane Boniface, Jody Layden, Jack Lumley, Clearwater County Reeve Jordan Northcott, Councillor Justin Sinclair, Councillor Kevin Stalker and Councillor Denise Boniface.
Elected officials and special guests toured the new wastewater treatment plant.
