$20 million for Wellington wastewater: MP Malette

Several members of staff were also present for the announcement, along with councillors Brad Nieman, Phil S.-Jean, Bill Roberts (Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette); Mayor Steve Ferguson, Janice Maynard and John Hirsch.

Story and photos by Sharon Harrison
Wellington will be getting a $20,608,230 investment for its extended aeration wastewater treatment plant. Once complete, it will increase its current capacity to support an additional 6,000 residents (currently it serves just over 2,100 people). An estimated timeline of when the project will start (and finish) is not yet known.

“When investing in this plant expansion, Prince Edward County will be able to accommodate the future demands of a growing community,” said Bay of Quinte MP Chris Malette.

Chris Malette, Bay of Quinte MP

“As we know, the growth pressures on the County are very real, but as real, is the aging infrastructure,” he said. “There may be some mixed feelings on the ability to manage the growth that will come with this, but I’m confident in the folks that are running our government in the municipality of Prince Edward County to do so in a responsible manner, and that’s what this funding today will allow.”

The federal government’s infrastructure announcement came Thursday morning where Malette was joined by County Mayor Steve Ferguson at the Wellington and District Community Centre.

Several members of staff were also present for the announcement, along with councillors John Hirsch, Phil St-Jean, Janice Maynard, Bill Roberts and Brad Nieman.

“This funding represents more than just dollars; it demonstrates a commitment to strong, resilient communities and protecting the natural environment we all depend on,” said Ferguson. “Today’s announcement is about critical infrastructure, but it is also about stewardship. We are very grateful for this, it’s been a long time coming.”

The existing wastewater treatment plant in Wellington was built in 1975 and was designed to serve a population of just over 2,100.

“While it has served us reliably for decades, it was built in a different time. During those times, there were different standards and this was a much smaller community,” expressed Ferguson.

“Prince Edward County has grown, and continues to grow, and with that growth comes responsibility; responsibility to ensure that we treat our wastewater safely and effectively, responsibility to protect Lake Ontario and our local waterways, and responsibility to leave a healthy environment for future generations.”

Ferguson noted how clean water is not something that can be taken for granted. He said, it supports agriculture, tourism, recreation and the overall health of the community.

“This investment ensures that as Wellington grows, we are not compromising the very structural assets that make people want to live, work and visit here. This project is also part of a broader co-ordinated approach to sustainable growth.”

He said, in 2021 a master servicing plan was completed that identified a new wastewater treatment plant was the best way forward. Since then, a municipal class environmental assessment has been completed, and has now moved to the detailed design phase.

The new facility will do much more than increase capacity, said Ferguson.

“It will use modern treatment technology to significantly improve the quality of treated wastewater to release back into the environment,” he shared. “That means better protection for our shoreline, also protection for our groundwater and the eco-systems that are so vital to the character and economy of Prince Edward County.”

Mayor Steve Ferguson

This funding announcement is timely as council prepares for a conversation about the long-range water and wastewater infrastructure planning, explained Ferguson.

“Support from the federal government will help to reduce the financial impact that renewing critical infrastructure will have on County ratepayers. And it’s important to recognize that responsible growth and environmental protection go hand-in-hand; investments like this allow us to do both. We can both welcome new residents and opportunities while safe-guarding our water, land and air.”

Projects of this scale require vision, collaboration and long-term commitment to doing things the right way, he added.

“This project is about building infrastructure that works today, tomorrow and for decades from now. It’s about ensuring that growth is balanced with care for our environment, and its about protecting the natural beauty and resources that define this place we are proud to call home. “

A fund designed to revitalize local infrastructure, empower communities and unlock economic prosperity, the Build Communities Strong Fund is providing $51 billion over 10 years, starting this fiscal year, as well as $3 billion per year on-going to support core infrastructure, outlined Malette.