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New Tecumseth, Collingwood respond to funding for water treatment plant

October 10, 2024   ·   0 Comments

By Brian Lockhart

The Towns of New Tecumseth and Collingwood have issued a joint statement following the announcement that Ontario is investing nearly $70 million into a water treatment plant extension in Collingwood. The investment will allow for the construction of more homes in both communities, as New Tecumseth utilizes a portion of Collingwood’s water supply.

Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey, announced the provincial government will invest $69,999,999 into the project on Sept. 26.

The Water Treatment Plant Expansion Project tender with the lowest bidder, Kenaidan Contracting Ltd., is estimated to be in the range of $270 million.

“The Province of Ontario’s significant commitment and investment in the Towns of New Tecumseth and Collingwood is remarkable,” said New Tecumseth Mayor Richard Norcross. “We have worked together tirelessly to develop partnerships and solutions for funding assistance, and we are grateful for the province’s support that ensures we have the services and water needed to continue to prosper today and into the future.”

Town of New Tecumseth staff continue to investigate all options to finance the project, including contributions from the federal government.

“I am proud to announce that we have secured a provincial grant of $70 million dollars towards our water treatment plant expansion,” said Collingwood Mayor Yvonne Hamlin. “This project is the largest investment in Collingwood and New Tecumseth’s history and tremendous effort has gone into reaching this point. Numerous meetings and discussions which I have been honoured to arrange and attend with the premier, Minister Calandra, and provincial budget committee, amongst many others, have yielded results for which we are so thankful.  I very much look forward to continuing to work with the Province to achieve our joint goals to enhance our community.”

On Sept. 12, 2023, a joint statement issued from both towns announced that three bids were received from the pre-qualified contractors for the Raymond A. Barker Water Treatment Plant Expansion project.

The unofficial low bid was $212 million for construction alone. The total project costs are now estimated to be in the range of $270 million, and the timeline to complete the project has also been extended by about two years.

Construction of the expansion has begun, and the current schedule for commissioning of the 59,000 m3/d is July 2029, with work continuing until 2031.

The project is essential for both Collingwood, New Tecumseth and the surrounding area as it can supply significant additional drinking water to the existing 60-kilometre pipeline southerly from Collingwood and westerly to the Town of the Blue Mountains.


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