Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government is spending $25 million to build, upgrade and rehabilitate storm and wastewater infrastructure.
“We know that critical storm and wastewater infrastructure in many municipalities are under pressure,” said David Piccini, environment minister “This is why our government is making this crucial and much-needed investment to build the storm and wastewater infrastructure necessary to ensure cleaner water and tackle the pollution and toxic overflows facing many communities across the province.”
This investment includes dedicating $15 million to improve the aging and outdated storm and wastewater infrastructure in 18 municipalities to help modernize water management. Municipalities can use funding to build storm and wastewater infrastructure, upgrade sewers and pumping stations and clean out debris from stormwater management ponds.
“Improving wastewater infrastructure is an essential part of maintaining healthy and safe communities,” said Kinga Surma, minister of infrastructure. “Investing in these projects will help manage stormwater runoff, sewage overflows, and reduce contaminants from entering our waterways. It’s one of the many ways our government is providing greater environmental protection, while building cleaner, more sustainable infrastructure.”
“This investment will improve the quality of life for residents and also lead to a cleaner future for all. I look forward to continuing to work together and explore ways to build and sustain clean water solutions and infrastructure,” said Hamilton Mayor Fred Eisenberger.
In addition, the province will provide $15 million over two years to help 18 municipalities improve aging and outdated storm and wastewater infrastructure to ensure Ontarians can continue to access safe and clean water.
Eligible municipalities will be able to use the funds for minor sewage treatment plant improvements such as optimization, local sewer system upgrades, cleaning out sediment and debris from stormwater management ponds, and putting green stormwater infrastructure in place.
The 18 eligible municipalities include:
- City of Belleville
- Town of Cobourg
- Regional Municipality of Durham
- Town of Greater Napanee
- Regional Municipality of Halton
- City of Hamilton
- City of Kawartha Lakes
- City of Kingston
- Loyalist Township
- Regional Municipality of Niagara
- Town of Orangeville
- Regional Municipality of Peel
- City of Peterborough
- Municipality of Port Hope
- Prince Edward County
- City of Quinte West
- City of Toronto
- Regional Municipality of York