Saturday, March 22, 2025
To enhance safety and strengthen resilience, the federal government and the City of Sarnia are investing over $29.5 million to rebuild the wastewater collection system.
This was announced by the Honourable Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities and Mike Bradley, Mayor for the City of Sarnia.
The City of Sarnia is undertaking a major infrastructure project to address the increased risk of basement flooding and sewer overflows due to more frequent and intense storms. This upgrade will replace the combined sewers with separate storm and sanitary sewers, enhance the wastewater collection system, replace the water main, and fully repave sidewalks and roads. This will reduce economic losses and protect the community from future flooding disruptions.
“Investing in infrastructure like Sarnia’s sewer upgrade isn’t just about fixing pipes—it’s about protecting homes, strengthening communities, and making sure we’re ready for the challenges ahead,” said The Honourable Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities.
Making adaptation investments now will have major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits.
“Support like this for combined sewer separation will go a long way toward building a more resilient wastewater system that mitigates the negative impacts of extreme weather events such as basement flooding. Projects like these are a key piece of our Climate Action Plan and work to mitigate flooding in our community, while at the same time expand sanitary sewer capacity for new development,” said David Jackson, Engineering and Operations General Manager, City of Sarnia.
