Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Town of Collingwood has awarded a $270 million tender for the expansion of its water treatment plant to Kenaidan Ltd. – the largest project of its kind in the town’s history. The goal is to provide essential water resources for future development in Collingwood and neighboring New Tecumseth.
Collingwood Mayor Yvonne Hamlin, New Tecumseth Mayor Richard Norcross and representatives from Kenaidan Contracting Ltd. Raised a toast April 17, using Collingwood water, to commemorate the significant partnership for this monumental project.
Kenaidan’s selection follows a rigorous process spanning over a year, culminating in the company securing the contract for the plant expansion.
The price tag of the project has more than doubled to $270 million, a reality that Jesse House, vice president of project development at Kenaidan, says is increasingly common in the industry, confirming the budget is in line with prevailing trends, with some tenders surpassing even this figure.
Expanding the Raymond A. Barker Water Treatment Plant is considered a significant undertaking that “represents our shared commitment to ensuring the availability of clean safe water for our communities for many years to come,” town officials said in a news release.
“This expansion is an essential and urgent project for Collingwood, New Tecumseth, and the surrounding area.”
Without the expansion, the town would not be able to build new homes to meet provincial housing targets or support job creation with commercial and industrial growth.
“This agreement will immediately unlock the servicing of new development in New Tecumseth, and Collingwood will continue with development that is aligned with community values and at a volume that is in line with the healthy pace in recent years.”
Established in 1974 by Ken Smith and Aidan Flatley, Kenaidan has evolved from humble beginnings in snowplowing and construction to become a leading player in water and wastewater projects. Several key employees live in the Collingwood area.
With plans to break ground later this year, Collingwood has applied for funding support from both provincial and federal programs, with Mayor Hamlin expressing optimism about the town’s prospects for securing vital infrastructure funding.
