Bluewater poised for good growth with $8,347,185 provincial grant for wastewater expansion
The Municipality of Bluewater will be moving forward with the expansion of the Bayfield wastewater treatment facility thanks to grant funding received from the Province of Ontario through the Housing enabling Water Systems Fund. The Fund was established by the provincial government to assist municipalities in developing, repairing, rehabilitating and expanding drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems in support of housing growth.
Bluewater is to receive funding in the amount of $8,347,185 for the wastewater treatment facility expansion project which is estimated to cost around $11.4 million. Construction of this project is expected to begin early next year, with completion scheduled for spring 2027.
MPP Lisa Thompson presented the cheque to Mayor Paul Klopp on September 18th, 2024 in recognition of Bluewater’s successful funding application.
"This funding plays a crucial role in enabling the development of more homes in the Municipality of Bluewater," said Lisa Thompson, MPP for Huron-Bruce. "To meet the growing housing demand in rural communities across Ontario, investing in drinking water and wastewater treatment infrastructure is essential," she added.
Bluewater’s Mayor, Paul Klopp, said of the funding, “Being part of a rural council, we appreciate the Province of Ontario supporting growth in our rural communities through grants like the Housing Enabling Water Systems Fund. And with the help of the Minister or Rural Affairs, Lisa Thompson, the Province is putting words into action by awarding the residents of Bluewater with $8,347,185.00 through HEWSF in support of expanding the Bayfield Wastewater Treatment Facility. This funding is paramount to supporting growth in the Municipality of Bluewater and providing much needed housing for families and individuals choosing to make Bluewater home.”
The current wastewater treatment facility primarily services the Village of Bayfield. Expanding the facility has long been noted as an essential step in supporting housing and economic growth in the Bayfield area. The proposed project aligns with the Municipality of Bluewater’s Asset Management Plan and the Bayfield Secondary Plan, both key financial and urban planning documents created to support strategic investment in the Bayfield area and Bluewater as a whole. The Bayfield Secondary Plan sets the stage for well-planned growth with a vision and plan set by the community.
This welcome investment in Bluewater’s rural-urban infrastructure is integral to meeting housing needs in the Municipality of Bluewater. With the treatment facility at capacity, housing growth in the Bayfield area has been slowed for several years. Limited capacity meant no new housing development proposals could be added until more sewage treatment capacity was made available. The expansion of the facility is expected to enable upwards of 500 housing units—both new and additional residential units—in the community, filling a need for homes in the area and helping to meet provincial and federal housing targets.
CAO Laurie Spence Bannerman is encouraging developers to start scheduling pre-consultation meetings with the Bluewater Development Services department in order to have subdivision lots shovel ready as soon as the expanded plant is operational.