FAQs
Is the existing Water Pollution Control Plant still operating?
Yes. The H.M. Bailey Water Pollution Control Plant continues to operate while planning for its renewal progresses.
City operators continue to maintain treatment performance in an aging facility, including managing equipment that is reaching the end of its expected service life and, in some cases, has increasingly limited availability of original replacement parts.
Why can’t the City just repair the existing plant?
The City continues to repair and maintain the existing facility as required. However, maintenance alone cannot address all of the plant’s long-term needs.
The existing facility was designed more than 35 years ago. Yorkton now has substantially different wastewater demands, and current treatment requirements include processes that were not part of the original plant, including dedicated E. coli disinfection.
Renewal is required to address aging infrastructure, treatment requirements and future capacity together.
Why does Yorkton need a facility this large for a city of approximately 18,000 people?
Yorkton’s wastewater system serves more than its residential population.
The community is home to a significant agri-processing sector that contributes substantial wastewater flows and treatment demands. In 2025, the total wastewater load treated at the plant was equivalent to approximately 38,449 people.
Has industry contributed to addressing the issue?
Yes.
Through the City’s Pollution Prevention Program, major industrial wastewater customers have invested more than $130 million in private wastewater pre-treatment infrastructure.
These investments have reduced the strength of wastewater entering the municipal system and helped extend the operating life of the existing plant.
Has the City looked for ways to reduce the project cost?
Yes.
Value engineering undertaken at the 30% design stage reduced the median project estimate by approximately $30 million, from $234 million to $204 million.
Cost reviews and value engineering will continue as the design advances.
Does the $343-million estimate mean the project cost has increased from $204 million to $343 million?
Not exactly.
The $204-million figure was a median estimate at the 30% design stage following value engineering.
The project has since advanced to approximately 60% design. The current Class 3 estimate has a range of approximately $211 million to $343 million, with $343 million representing the high end of that range.
Because the figures come from different stages of design and represent different points within their respective estimate ranges, they are not directly comparable. The estimate will continue to be refined as engineering progresses.
Has a final project cost been approved?
No.
Engineering is still underway, and the project estimate will continue to change as the design becomes more detailed.
A final construction scope, cost and funding arrangement have not yet been confirmed.
When will construction begin?
A construction start date has not been determined.
The City is working toward approximately 90% design. Moving into procurement and construction will depend on completion of the required engineering, securing provincial and federal funding, and future approvals.
How can I stay informed?
This page will be updated as the Water Pollution Control Plant Renewal Project progresses, including new information about design, costs, funding, timelines and opportunities for public engagement.