Paradise taking phased approach to wastewater upgrades

By Mark Squibb

Ballooning costs associated with upgrading the St. Thomas Line wastewater treatment plant have forced Paradise council to break the project into phases rather than do it in one go.

Infrastructure committee lead Erin Furlong last week explained that in 2021 the Town received $18.3 million in federal government money through the Investing In Canada Infrastructure Program (ICIP) to bring the St. Thomas Line wastewater treatment plant up to federally mandated effluence requirements. Under the agreement, the federal government would contribute 40 percent of project costs, while the remaining 60 percent would be split between the Town and the Province. That agreement would account for about $45 million in project costs.

Recent design work revealed the necessary upgrades will cost close to $50 million, and as such, a phased approach would be necessary, with phase one expected to cost roughly $19 million.

After tax rebates, the Town is expected to be on the hook for about 5$ million, unless additional funding is secured.

The Town will be responsible for any cost overruns.

“We see a pretty big projected price tag of $50 million for the entire project,” said councillor Glen Carew, adding that costs have ballooned due to supply chain shortages. “I would say that this is something that is mandated by federal law. We must upgrade this facility. It’s not just something we want to do; it’s something we’re legally bound to do.”

Carew said dividing the project into phases is a means by which the Town can continue to access funding while moving the project along.

Council agreed unanimously to approve the motion to amend the funding deal.

Phase one is expected to be completed by July of 2028. The funding will be accessible until 2030.