Metro Vancouver's Annacis Water Supply Tunnel: A Megaproject Milestone for Regional Resilience

Metro Vancouver is raising a collective cheer as a monumental engineering feat, the Annacis Water Supply Tunnel, has officially reached a significant milestone: its 2.7-kilometer journey beneath the mighty Fraser River is complete. This underground marvel, connecting Surrey and New Westminster, marks a critical step forward in securing the region's drinking water for generations to come, especially for the rapidly expanding South of Fraser communities.

The tunnel isn't just a pipe; it's a vital artery in Metro Vancouver's ambitious $4.8-billion Coquitlam Lake Water Supply Project.

Designed to be seismically resilient, it replaces three existing water mains that are vulnerable to earthquake damage and aging infrastructure. With a diameter of 3.7 meters, the tunnel will carry water from the regional system across the Fraser River, ensuring a robust and reliable supply even in the face of natural disasters.

The construction process itself was a testament to modern engineering prowess.

A specialized tunnel boring machine, affectionately named "Kathleen," painstakingly carved its path through diverse geological conditions, reaching depths of up to 50 meters below the riverbed. This intricate underground operation required meticulous planning and execution to navigate the complex terrain while adhering to stringent seismic safety standards.

Officials highlight the immediate and long-term benefits of this project.

With the South of Fraser region projected to accommodate half of Metro Vancouver’s future growth, ensuring a stable and secure water supply is paramount. The Annacis Tunnel significantly boosts the capacity and resilience of the water network, future-proofing essential services against population increases and potential seismic events.

It represents a substantial investment in public health and safety, safeguarding one of our most precious resources.

While the tunnel itself is complete, the work isn't over. The next phase involves installing the internal water supply pipe within the tunnel and constructing new pumping stations and connection points to integrate it fully into the existing water distribution system.

This comprehensive project underscores Metro Vancouver’s commitment to sustainable infrastructure development, ensuring that residents continue to receive clean, safe drinking water for decades to come.