Construction on Collingwood’s $270-million water treatment plant expansion has reached a key milestone, with interim capacity now online two years after the project officially began.
Construction on the expansion, located on the shores of Georgian Bay, began in July 2024. The project is designed to support residential, commercial and industrial growth and provide a reliable water supply for Collingwood and New Tecumseth for the next 25 years and beyond.
The plant began operating with an additional 5,000 cubic metres of water treatment capacity per day at the end of July.
Under an existing water agreement, about 37 per cent of the additional capacity is allocated to Collingwood and 63 per cent to New Tecumseth.
Construction on the main expansion is continuing, with excavation and rock removal nearing completion. Crews have about 1.5 metres of excavation remaining before reaching the final depth required for the new treatment plant building.
Drilling for caisson piles is continuing for excavation and foundation work, while excavation for the new membrane treatment building is underway.
Dewatering operations have resumed as excavation continues. Lake water and dewatering discharge are also being sampled and tested.
Equipment associated with the interim water capacity is being tested and commissioned.
The town took a collaborative approach to the project during the design phase, pre-qualifying experienced general contractors and involving them early to provide input on constructability and contract considerations.
The approach helped inform the final design and is expected to reduce potential construction challenges as work continues, the town said.
The project is estimated to cost $270 million, including $150 million in provincial funding. The remaining costs are being shared by Collingwood and New Tecumseth.
The project remains on schedule and on budget, with additional water supply expected to come online in late 2029. The expanded facility is expected to be fully completed in 2032.
The town is reminding residents that the project site remains an active construction area, with construction equipment regularly entering and leaving the site.
View construction updates: https://engage.collingwood.ca/wtp