Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Guelph is set to receive over $33.4 million in federal funding aimed at enhancing its wastewater treatment system, boosting capacity, and facilitating the construction of thousands of new homes.
Work on the new treatment facility is anticipated to kick off in early September, with the entire project expected to wrap up by fall 2030.
This funding, announced on August 11 through the federal Build Communities Strong Fund, covers 40 percent of the project’s eligible costs, which are projected to be around $83.7 million.
The initiative will feature the building of a new tertiary treatment facility at the Water Resource Recovery Centre along with upgrades to the Waterloo Avenue trunk sewer.
These enhancements aim to increase wastewater treatment capacity by 24 percent and improve the system’s resilience as Guelph continues its growth trajectory.
The project will also replace the city’s existing chlorine-based wastewater disinfection method with ultraviolet light technology. This change will do away with chlorination and de-chlorination while ensuring treatment standards remain intact.
“Reliable wastewater infrastructure is essential to supporting a growing community,” said Tara Baker, chief administration officer for the City of Guelph. “With support from the Government of Canada, this project will deliver critical upgrades to Guelph’s tertiary treatment facilities, supporting the City’s long-term growth and environmental objectives.”
Sewer upgrades will focus on enhancing the Waterloo Avenue trunk sewer from Silvercreek Parkway to the Water Resource Recovery Centre, including a section that runs across Hanlon Parkway. Additional work will extend from Silvercreek to Edinburgh Road and connect with Wellington Street Trunk Sewer via Roland Street.
This federal funding was announced by Guelph MP Dominique O’Rourke on behalf of Housing and Infrastructure Minister Gregor Robertson, accompanied by Mayor Cam Guthrie and city representatives.
“As a former Guelph city councillor and former chair of the Infrastructure, Development and Environment committee, I know how vital today’s investment in wastewater treatment infrastructure in Guelph is to prepare our city for growth,” O’Rourke said.
The project is expected to support approximately 4,400 new housing units throughout Guelph by 2031.
“By securing federal funding for critical wastewater infrastructure, we can support housing growth, strengthen system resiliency and reduce pressure on municipal funding sources,” Guthrie said.
The Build Communities Strong Fund backs infrastructure projects tied to housing, economic development, transit initiatives, community enhancements, and climate adaptation efforts.
The wastewater initiative is part of Guelph’s wider infrastructure investment plan and aligns with priorities outlined in the city’s Future Guelph Strategic Plan.
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