STANLEY PARK WATER TUNNEL UPDATE
A major step reached in water tunnel upgrade

**the view of work in progress.** *(Jill Taylor Photo)*

By Jerrison Oracion
(click images to enlarge)

Two years into the construction of a new water tunnel under Stanley Park, a section of its route is back online. On the project’s page on Metro Vancouver’s website, a new update announced that the First Narrows Crossing portion of the tunnel is complete and fully operational again.

The main objective at the First Narrows Crossing is to connect the temporary bypass connections along the tunnel, including key points on Chilco Street and Burrard Inlet. This will still allow water to flow through the regional drinking water system while construction continues.

“Construction is progressing on schedule, with completion expected in 2029,” says Murray Gant, director of major projects-tunnels at Metro Vancouver. “At the centre shaft site, crews are constructing the main tunnel shaft. They are also preparing to begin construction of the secondary tunnel shafts at the Chilco Street and Burrard Inlet sites.”

Stanley Park has not been disrupted much by the construction along the tunnel route because most of it is happening underground.

**Information for the neighourhood and passers-by has been posted since the start of the project.** *(Jerrison oracion Photo)*

“Metro Vancouver also intentionally made the centre shaft the main tunnel excavation site, reducing the amount of construction activity required at the Chilco Street shaft site near residents,” says Gant. “The team has also rerouted affected trails and paths, limited construction traffic in the park primarily to Pipeline Road, and put environmental monitoring and tree-protection requirements in place.”

Construction at the Chilco Street shaft site began in early 2025 where there were concerns from residents who live in the nearby apartments built between the ‘50s and ‘60s. The West End Journal (TWEJ) previously reported that a three-meter sound barrier was erected between the site and apartments, noise is monitored, truck back-up alarms use white noise, truck wheels washed when they leave the site, and the roads wetted to reduce dust during the summer months. These are many ways noise is reduced around the area.

Drilling can still be seen around the site as bikers and pedestrians pass by. The bike lane on Stanley Park Drive is still limited to one lane, though bikers are getting around the seawall with no problems. West Georgia Street and Denman Street were the most congested for truck traffic, especially during rush hour. TWEJ also previously reported that Denman Street and Davie Street will only be used in case of an emergency.

**the view down chilco street.** *(Jerrison oracion photo)*

Residents are still able to access the tennis courts and the community garden next to the construction site until the water tunnel is fully operational. The new tunnel will replace the current tunnel, which has reached the end of its service life after operating for a century.

It will be built 35 to 50 meters underground, primarily on bedrock. The region’s growing population will benefit from the new water tunnel because of its increased capacity compared to the current water tunnel.

“Existing flows through the Stanley Park water mains range from approximately 65 million to 210 million litres per day; the new pipe will be able to carry up to 800 million litres per day.” says Gant.

Like most constructions and renovations in recent years, the new water tunnel will be built to withstand an earthquake, especially if “The Big One” happens.

As Gant explains, “All infrastructure can be affected by a major earthquake, but the new tunnel is being designed to meet current seismic standards and reduce that risk. This will minimize movement during an earthquake and improve the reliability of the regional water supply.”

When the new Stanley Park water tunnel is completed and fully operational, clean and reliable drinking water will continue to be available for everyone in Metro Vancouver.