The Municipality of Lakeshore has its long-term water and wastewater playbook set to go.
Lakeshore councillors on Tuesday night supported the new Waste and Wastewater Master Plan, which will help guide infrastructure for the next 20 years.
A cost analysis has placed the price tag for projects outlined in the plan at $465-million, when adjusted for inflation.
Councillors also agreed to ask the administration for a development charge study update and a water wastewater rate study. Lakeshore will also consider applying for grants to help take pressure off of taxpayers.
"Unfortunately, our water and wastewater systems have been chronically underfunded over the past twenty years and we’ve come to a point where it’s not a question of if, but how, we make these investments," said Mayor Tracey Bailey. "All of us around the council understand that residents will be frustrated at the incredible costs outlined in this plan, but the time for inaction is over."
The Master Plan not only identifies short and long-term goals for the Municipality's water infrastructure, but also lists ongoing environmental and regulatory concerns in the east end, population growth, and changes to provincial policy related to increased population density.
The plan's notice of completion will now go to the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation, and Parks.
Projects that may be added to Lakeshore's 2025 budget include replacing the Comber Sideroad water main, an environmental assessment for a sewage treatment facility in Stoney Point, and detailed designs for key sanitary sewer projects.
