Ontario Construction News staff writer
The Town of Midland increased residential water and wastewater bills for 2020, to bolster reserves and deal with a growing list of infrastructure projects needed.
Money will be used to fix aging pipes and the municipal treatment plant. All water assets —pipes, hydrants, valves, pumping stations, water tower and sewage treatment.
Much of the infrastructure – about $10 million water assets and $12 million wastewater assets need replacing.
Upcoming projects include:
- $1 million for water meter replacement
- $4 million to upgrade the Hanly Street booster station
- $3.5 million for necessary upgrades at the wastewater treatment plant
- $500,000 to replace a water main on Yonge Street
The town is in the process of developing a water and wastewater master plan that includes a five per cent increase to water rates every year for the next five years and a four per cent increase to wastewater rates every year for the next 13 years. The town would also be willing to take on $26.5 million in future debt to upgrade aging infrastructure.