Rocky Mountain House opens $30M wastewater treatment plant
The plant, funded jointly by the town, Clearwater County and provincial and federal governments, officially began full operations after a Sept. 17 ribbon-cutting.
Why it matters
The new plant sets Rocky Mountain House's wastewater capacity and utility costs for decades and is expected to support future residential growth.
Rocky Mountain House marked the completion of a $30 million wastewater treatment plant with a ribbon-cutting ceremony on Sept. 17, ending a project years in the making. Mayor Shane Boniface credited past councils and staff for the work behind the facility, saying it will support both environmental protection and future growth in the town.
The plant processes about 3,200 cubic metres of wastewater and more than a tonne of solid biowaste on a typical day, according to Aqua Tech operations manager Scott Schlachter, and can handle surges such as when the town pool is drained. It runs continuously and includes a backup generator to keep it operating during power outages.
Capital costs were shared by the Town of Rocky Mountain House, Clearwater County, and the provincial and federal governments, including a $2.6 million grant the town received in 2025 from the Alberta Municipal Water/Wastewater Partnership. Ongoing operating costs, estimated at about $1 million a year, will be covered through residents' utility bills rather than property taxes, said town engineering technologist Sean LaFrance.
The three lagoon ponds visible from Highway 11 will remain in place for now, gradually shifting from raw wastewater to treated water as the older material clears out. LaFrance said the plant is designed to serve the town for the next 50 to 60 years.
Compiled by the Alberta Daily Desk — an AI-written summary of reporting from the credited sources below, produced and reviewed under our editorial policy.