Funding is being provided to Hawkesbury, Ontario for improvements to its water treatment plant.
“Long-term investments in infrastructure are key to building healthy and resilient communities, while also providing important services to residents,” said Francis Drouin, member of parliament for Glengarry—Prescott—Russell. “Improvements to the Hawkesbury Water Treatment Plant will ensure there is safe, healthy, and reliable drinking water for residents, and support for community development.”
The Government of Canada is investing $1,076,844 in this project through the Green Infrastructure Stream of the Investing in Canada plan, and the Government of Ontario is contributing $897,280. The Town of Hawkesbury is providing $717,986 toward this project.
“The provincial government is committed to helping municipalities provide the best possible services for residents,” said Jim McDonell, parliamentary assistant to the minister of municipal affairs and housing and member of provincial parliament for Stormont—Dundas—South Glengarry. “Ensuring that Hawkesbury residents, and all Ontarians, have access to clean, safe water is something we should never take for granted.”
The project will upgrade the clarification process in the water treatment plant by replacing deteriorating equipment and providing life-cycle upgrades to other equipment. Work will include de-commissioning the clarifier and replacing it with two new units. It will also include upgrading walls, the roof, floor slab, and framing to prevent structural damage and accommodate the new clarifiers. In addition to this, modifications to a new control system will be made.
“We welcome this news,” said Paula Assaly, mayor of the Town of Hawkesbury. “These renovations will not only modernize our infrastructure and meet the highest environmental and technical standards, but will also improve the quality and quantity of drinking water for Hawkesbury and neighboring municipalities.”
The upgrades will benefit residents by improving the quality of treated water, minimizing the risk of boil water advisories, and ensuring the long-term functioning of the plant.
“The plans and specifications will be completed in July 2021 and the tendering process will be launched towards the end of 2021 for the selection of the contractor to carry out the work,” said Martin Perron, director of the Environment Department for the Town of Hawkesbury. “The construction, which will take place over a period of 24 months, represent a total investment of $6 million.”
