New Tecumseth, ON – The Towns of Collingwood and New Tecumseth have reached a collaborative agreement for Collingwood to continue to supply New Tecumseth with treated water from Georgian Bay.
The towns have been working cooperatively since the expiration of the previous agreement in 2020, to ensure better positioning for the municipalities as they both continue to grow and require more water.
The final agreement was approved by each of the Towns Councils on August 18, 2022.
The Town of Collingwood has been supplying treated water to New Tecumseth since the year 2000, and no change to the quantity of water provided will occur until the newly expanded water treatment plant is completed (expected in 2026) at which time, the volume will increase.
The agreement addresses the proportionate share of costs to each partner with respect to the expansion of the Raymond A. Barker Water Treatment Plant, as well as the ongoing supply rate and possible future expansions. Additionally, an updated supply rate structure has been introduced that is consistent with the principles of water rate setting by the American Water Works Association which includes full cost recovery and asset management.
As part of the agreement, a joint operational committee will be formed to continue the collaborative efforts of the municipalities, focusing on operational elements including a review of the planning process for both the initial and future expansion, a review of the maintenance and capital budget as well as the annual supply rate.
“The agreement to formally extend the existing 20-year supply of water to the Town of New Tecumseth is one that benefits both municipalities and we’re happy to formalize this arrangement. Collingwood is focused on transparency, fiscal responsibility, and sustainable growth, and this agreement aligns with our goals,” said Town of Collingwood Mayor, Keith Hull.
“The successful completion of a water supply agreement with Collingwood is instrumental in having both municipalities continue to work together for the betterment of both of our communities to ensure our current and future water supply needs are achieved. We look forward to continuing to work with the Town of Collingwood,” said New Tecumseth Mayor, Rick Milne.
A copy of each of the municipalities’ agendas for their respective August 18, 2022 meetings as well as the final water supply agreement can be found at https://newtecumseth.civicweb.net/portal/ or https://collingwood.civicweb.net/Portal/
