Canadian Design and Construction Report staff writer
PCL Construction has completed the expansion of the ARROW Utilities wastewater treatment plant in Fort Saskatchewan, marking a significant milestone in improving water infrastructure for Alberta’s Capital Region.
“This project is a great example of what’s possible when teams come together early and stay aligned. Working closely with ARROW Utilities and Associated Engineering, we were able to deliver a complex facility that will support the region for years to come.” said PCL’s Adam Laughlin, Construction Manager.
Delivered under a Construction Management at Risk (CMAR) model, the Train 4 expansion adds a fourth secondary treatment train to the existing facility, doubling overall treatment capacity and enabling industrial water reuse. The upgraded plant now increases capacity to 145 million litres per day.
A key feature of the expansion is the installation of a state-of-the-art Membrane Bioreactor (MBR) system, the largest of its kind in Western Canada. Unlike traditional treatment processes, the MBR system combines biological treatment with advanced membrane filtration technology to produce high-quality effluent, removing up to 99 per cent of bacteria and viruses and enabling safe reuse of treated water for industrial purposes. The facility achieved clean-water commissioning in late 2025 and became fully operational in early 2026, meeting all client deadlines.
“This expansion is a major investment in the future of our region and a great example of what can be accomplished through collaboration. We’ve built the capacity needed to support continued growth while moving us toward a circular water economy. It’s an investment that protects our environment and ensures we can continue providing reliable used water services to the communities we serve.” said Kate Polkovsky, CEO, ARROW Utilities.
Early engagement of mechanical and electrical partners supported design optimization, risk mitigation and efficient sequencing, helping to minimize rework and maintain schedule certainty throughout construction.
“The project is a great example of the benefits of collaborative delivery models. Working closely with ARROW Utilities and PCL, the team has delivered a complex, technical solution which will benefit our region for the foreseeable future. I congratulate our team and our partners on the success of the project.” said Chad Maki, VP & General Manager, Alberta North, Associated Engineering.
The project was completed on schedule, under the guaranteed maximum price and with zero lost-time incidents, reflecting a strong commitment to safety, quality and collaboration.
