COLLINGWOOD, Ont. — The Ontario government has committed nearly $70 million towards the expansion of Collingwood’s water treatment plant, a critical project that will support housing and growth in both Collingwood and New Tecumseth. The funding, part of the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, was announced by Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey, on September 26.
The total cost of the project is estimated at $270 million, with Kenaidan Contracting Ltd. submitting the lowest bid. The expansion is essential to meet the water needs of these rapidly growing communities and is expected to facilitate the construction of much-needed housing in the area.
“I am proud to announce that we have secured a provincial grant of $70 million for our water treatment plant expansion,” said Collingwood Mayor Yvonne Hamlin. “This project is the largest investment in the history of both Collingwood and New Tecumseth, and we are grateful for the province’s support.”
The expansion of the Raymond A. Barker Water Treatment Plant is part of a multi-year project aimed at increasing capacity to serve Collingwood, New Tecumseth, and surrounding areas, including the Town of the Blue Mountains. The plant will ultimately supply an additional 59,000 m³ of water per day, with completion of construction scheduled for 2029.
New Tecumseth Mayor Richard Norcross also highlighted the significance of the provincial funding. “This investment ensures that we have the services and water infrastructure necessary to continue growing and prospering today and into the future,” said Norcross.
The project is vital for meeting provincial housing targets, as both municipalities are facing increasing demand for residential, commercial, and industrial development. Under a collaborative agreement, Collingwood and New Tecumseth will share the remaining project costs based on water consumption, with 37 per cent of the costs allocated to Collingwood and 63 per cent to New Tecumseth.
Construction on the expansion has already begun, with the commissioning of the new system expected by July 2029.
“This is a transformational investment in a generational project that will build sustainable and resilient communities,” said MPP Saunderson, emphasizing the importance of supporting responsible growth through infrastructure upgrades.
