Ontario Construction News staff writer
Peel Region has selected AECOM to provide program management services for its Queen Street Housing Enabling Infrastructure Program (HEIP), an initiative designed to develop the necessary water and wastewater infrastructure to support new housing in the area.
“We are proud to partner with Peel Region on this groundbreaking program, accelerating infrastructure delivery while safeguarding the public and advancing more sustainable cities,” said Drew Jeter, chief executive of AECOM’s Program Management global business line. “Our program management capabilities will ensure innovative solutions that meet the Region’s goals and set a new standard for infrastructure delivery, while supporting the long-term health and vitality of the community.”
To ensure the successful outcome of the construction program, Peel has procured the single largest, long-term design assignment for enabling infrastructure in its history. Peel is partnering with AECOM, as consultant and program manager, to implement this work and the planning stages are underway.
The construction program covers an approximate geographical area from Steeles Avenue in the south, Williams Parkway in the north, Mississauga Road in the west, and Torbram Road to the east. While some individual projects in the program have already begun, others will begin construction in 2025. New projects will be added as Peel continues to plan for the assets needed to support more housing.
Using a program approach to oversee large-scale capital projects is one of many of the methods being used by Peel to support growth and is planned for future use in the City of Mississauga and the Town of Caledon. Peel is also exploring alternative project delivery methodologies to advance capital delivery and anticipates more large-scale projects in 2025.
“Our teams have played a central role in shaping the Region’s water infrastructure, having already delivered an array of treatment facilities for this rapidly growing community,” said Beverley Stinson, chief executive of AECOM’s global Water business. “As the industry’s top global water firm, our unparalleled technical expertise prepares us to realize our clients’ boldest ambitions as they accelerate their investments in water infrastructure modernization and expansion.”
The Queen Street HEIP plans to build essential infrastructure to support new housing projects, stimulate local economic growth and improve community well-being. AECOM’s scope of work for the program includes planning, designing, and implementing new water and wastewater systems to ensure residents have safe and reliable drinking water and wastewater services that meet the accelerated growth and housing demands in Peel.
“With our proven track record of managing complex water and wastewater programs, we are ready to deliver on this critical program,” said Richard Barrett, chief executive of AECOM’s Canada region. “Our in-depth knowledge of the Region’s infrastructure priorities, and experienced local water experts stand ready to deliver large-scale infrastructure improvements that support sustainable development well into the future.”
AECOM’s most recent work in the region includes the expansion of the Clarkson Water Resource Recovery Facility (WRRF), which aims to increase capacity at the facility to accommodate the area’s growing population as well as multiple projects supporting drinking water treatment at the Arthur P. Kennedy and Lorne Park water treatment plants.