Wednesday, August 12, 2026
The Government of Canada announced an investment of more than $33.4 million to upgrade a wastewater tertiary treatment facility and trunk sewer network in Guelph through the Direct Delivery stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund. Upon completion, this project is expected to enable the construction of nearly 4,400 housing units across Guelph.
Tertiary treatment is an important step in removing pollutants in wastewater. The investment will upgrade the Water Resource Recovery Centre (WRRC) in Guelph by constructing a new tertiary treatment building, enabling this area of the process to increase treatment capacity by 24 per cent. Improvements will also transition the WRRC’s current disinfection system to ultraviolet (UV) technology. This is an effective and efficient method of treating wastewater, eliminating the need for chlorination and dechlorination while maintaining a high standard of wastewater treatment. The new tertiary treatment facility will increase capacity by 24 per cent.
“This funding is welcomed news as we prepare to undertake these costly but necessary wastewater and sewer capital upgrades for our rapidly growing community. I want to thank Prime Minister Carney, Minister Robertson, and the Government of Canada for it’s support through the Build Communities Strong Fund, which is helping to reduce pressure on the City’s reserves and maintain affordability for Guelph residents,” said Guelph Mayor Cam Guthrie.
Upgrades to the adjacent trunk sewer will also be undertaken as part of the project. Trunk sewers receive and transport sewage from regular sewers to a few central places like a wastewater treatment plant. This project will twin about 850 metres of trunk sewer and rehabilitate 250 metres of existing trunk sewers, including at a key crossing under the Hanlon Expressway.
“The Build Communities Strong Fund is building essential, sustainable infrastructure that Canadians rely on every day. 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 to prepare our city for growth, enabling more housing and ensuring a more resilient wastewater system in the face of climate change,” said Dominique O’Rourke, MP for Guelph.
The federal government is investing $33,487,067 in this project through the Direct Delivery stream of the Build Communities Strong Fund and the City of Guelph is contributing $52,024,308 in total project costs.
“Resilient infrastructure is fundamental to healthy, complete communities. 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. As a key component of a broader program of wastewater infrastructure investments, this project will help enable the additional treatment capacity needed to accommodate future housing and business development. By incorporating advanced treatment technologies, we are modernizing our operations and strengthening the sustainability and resilience of our wastewater system for generations to come,” said Tara Baker, CAO, City of Guelph.
Featured image: (City of Guelph)
