Oxford County plans to invest nearly $4 million for arsenic removal treatment in a Tillsonburg well.
Sep 29, 2025 • Last updated Sep 30, 2025 •
Oxford County has approved a contract worth about $5.7 million for arsenic removal treatment at a well in Tillsonburg. (Getty Images file photo)
Oxford County and the Town of Tillsonburg are set to spend close to $4 million on arsenic removal treatment at a well in Tillsonburg.
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During its meeting on Sept. 22, the council decided to enter into a multi-year contract worth $5.7 million with Baseline Constructors Inc., partially funded by a provincial grant, to treat Well 7A located at 451 Broadway Street.
In 2024, Oxford County hired AECOM to create detailed plans for improvements at the Tillsonburg Well 7A Water Treatment Facility. Currently, the arsenic levels in the well are nearing the limits set by Ontario Drinking Water Quality Standards.
Before starting the project, the county secured $2,010,270 from the Province of Ontario through the Housing-Enabling Water System Fund. After this funding is applied, development charges will cover 20 percent of the remaining costs-about $969,849-while the majority-$3,879,908 or 80 percent-will be drawn from the Water-Tillsonburg Reserve.
The contract with Baseline Contractors will extend through most of 2025 and into 2026, requiring ongoing funding commitments ahead of budgeting for that year.
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Though Baseline was the only bidder for this project, Melissa Abercrombie, Oxford’s director of public works, mentioned that it’s not uncommon given how specialized this work is and how tight deadlines can be. She also noted that Baseline has collaborated with the county on several projects before.
“It’s extremely expensive, but I also think we can’t put a price on the safety of water,” Tillsonburg Mayor Deb Gilvesy said. ‘
Deputy Warden Brian Petrie echoed her sentiments about needing this work to “ensure the safety” and “full supply” of water.
“I am hopeful that as time moves on we can look at different ways to increase that (grant) funding amount,” Petrie added.
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