How Collingwood’s new water treatment facilities are driving growth in Collingwood and Town of New Tecumseth
Rendering of the new Raymond A Barker Water Treatment Plant from Oct. 27, 2022 Town of Collingwood Public Information Session, presented by AECOM and Ainley Group.
The September announcement of the Ontario government’s funding for the Raymond A. Barker Water Treatment Plant expansion could not come at a better time for Simcoe County. The project marks a transformative period for the region, enhancing infrastructure and driving economic development in areas slated for growth in the coming decades.
The project will expand the capacity of the existing Water Treatment Plant from 31,140 to 59,000 cubic metres per day. The design includes a new membrane and UV disinfection building, expansion of the high-lift pumping facilities, repurposing the existing Water Treatment Plant for additional chlorination, administration and storage, climate mitigation including site and shoreline improvements, and site features including a plaza, public washrooms, and Saugeen Ojibway Nation information, history and art.
This initiative is expected to significantly impact the implementation of Collingwood and Town of New Tecumseth’s updated Official Plans.
Project Funding
On September 26, 2024, Brian Saunderson, MPP for Simcoe-Grey, announced that the Ontario government is investing nearly $70 million into the Town of Collingwood’s water treatment plant expansion. This investment, part of the Housing-Enabling Water Systems Fund, aims to support the construction of new homes and businesses in Collingwood and the Town of New Tecumseth.
Impact in Simcoe County
Collingwood’s new Official Plan, adopted on December 11, 2023, outlines a strategic framework for sustainable growth and development. The Official Plan forecasts a population increase from 25,470 residents in 2021 to 42,690 by 2051, with anticipated employment growth from 12,260 jobs in 2021 to 18,540 jobs within the same timeframe.
The expanded water treatment capacity aligns with the Plan’s objectives by enabling residential development to accommodate the projected population increases through supporting infrastructure needs. This development ensures that future growth is managed effectively, ensuring Collingwood remains a desirable place to live, work, and invest.
The Town of New Tecumseth is conducting a Growth Management Study (building on the Municipal Comprehensive Review led by Simcoe County) to plan for forecasted growth, anticipating a population increase to 80,590 and employment growth to 31,620 jobs by 2051. The expanded water treatment capacity is crucial for supporting this growth, providing the necessary infrastructure to accommodate new residential, commercial, and industrial development. This development aligns with the MCR’s goal of building complete communities with balanced urban and rural areas.
Regional Collaboration and Future Prospects
The expansion project exemplifies successful collaboration between municipalities, the provincial government, and private industry. The establishment of the Mayor’s Task Force facilitated open-ended brainstorming sessions to explore funding mechanisms, cost-reduction solutions, and capital-raising strategies. This cooperative approach has been instrumental in advancing the project and ensuring its alignment with regional growth objectives.
The Ontario government’s funding of the Collingwood Water Treatment Plant expansion is a major milestone and a benefit to Simcoe County as it addresses critical infrastructure needs, supports sustainable growth, and aligns with New Tecumseth’s growth objectives.
This project sets a precedent for regional collaboration and strategic planning, ensuring that the communities can thrive and accommodate future growth effectively.
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