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VANCOUVER — A major project is set to begin mid-November that will replace an aging piece of infrastructure and help Metro Vancouver provide high-quality drinking water.

“The new will replace a watermain that was built in the 1930s and is nearing the end of its service life, so it’s extremely important that we make this upgrade,” said Mike Hurley, chair of Metro Vancouver’s Board of Directors in a statement. “This work is also part of Metro Vancouver’s push to ensure our drinking water infrastructure can better withstand strong earthquakes and accommodate future population growth.”

A new 1.4-kilometre-long water supply tunnel will be constructed deep under Stanley Park and two new valve chambers will control the flow of water through mains in the area.

To excavate the tunnel, install the watermain and build the valve chambers, three vertical shafts will be constructed in Stanley Park — one near Burrard Inlet, one in the middle of the park in a service yard, and one at Chilco Street, the release reads.

Construction areas at all three shaft sites will be restored to equal or better condition.

“The first six months of construction will see the three main sites fenced and cleared and site offices will be built. At the centre shaft site, an abandoned building will be demolished and the yard entrance moved,” the release continues. “At the Chilco shaft site, temporary pedestrian and cyclist paths will be installed to ensure park users can continue to use the area during construction, and a new accessible ramp will provide uninterrupted access to the community garden.”

A community open house will take place today (Nov. 7) from 5:30 to 7:30 p.m. so residents can meet the project team, ask questions and learn about next steps. The location for the meeting is at King George Secondary School in the cafeteria at 1755 Barclay St.

Construction on the Stanley Park Water Supply Tunnel is expected to last through 2029.