Vancouver pilots microtunneling to renew sewer beneath Memorial West Park

(UI) — The City of Vancouver is piloting a trenchless construction method to replace aging sewer infrastructure beneath Memorial West Park, using a micro-tunnel boring machine to minimize surface disruption.

Rather than excavating a large open trench, crews completed most of the work underground, allowing the park to remain largely accessible while preserving 24 mature trees and reducing impacts on nearby residents.

“We know that construction can be frustrating and disruptive, so we are always looking for better ways to complete core infrastructure work,” said Mayor Ken Sim. “The successful tunnel installation shows that this innovative trenchless method has the potential to work well for future utility projects.”

In October, crews used a remotely operated micro-tunnel boring machine to install a concrete storm sewer main between West 31st Avenue and West 33rd Avenue beneath the park’s main footpath. The tunnel runs the full length of the park from north to south.

After completing the tunnel, crews used a second trenchless method—sliplining—to insert a smaller pipe inside the existing combined sewer main. The pipe was fixed in place with grout, extending the service life of the aging sewer without extensive excavation.

Additional work is planned for 2026, including completing sliplining, connecting the new infrastructure to the city’s water and sewer systems, and installing new maintenance holes. During that phase, the playground and pedestrian pathway through Memorial West Park are expected to close for approximately three to four weeks. Construction is anticipated to be completed by spring 2026.

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