The District of Muskoka is beginning the development of a new wastewater pump station in Huntsville with a sizable price tag.
At the Engineering and Public Works Committee staff presented a recommended contract for Peak Construction Group LLC to construct a new pump station at a cost of $30,194,900 dollars. The existing wastewater treatment plant at Mountview has exceeded its operating life and must be decommissioned. The plant has generated complaints from residents in recent months about generating foul odors in Huntsville.
The district and municipality of Huntsville have spent the last several years conducting a study to determine the best way to handle wastewater in Huntsville moving forward. The results of this study are to decommission the existing Mountview Treatment Plant and to construct a new pumping station on Mountview which will direct waste flows to the Golden Pheasant Treatment Plant.
The presentation of the contract recommendation was done by Director of Water and Wastewater Services Michael Currie. When speaking of the importance of the new pumping station to the committee Currie stated that the new development will help alleviate the current wastewater issues in the area.
“It will address the pressing issues associated with the old treatment plant and ensure the proper treatment and disposal of wastewater in Huntsville,” Currie said.
According to Currie pumping the wastewater to Golden Pheasant will allow for better wastewater treatment as the Golden Pheasant plant has greater capabilities than the former Mountview plant. Currie stated that the new pump station is being designed with a focus on sustainability and modern technology. This includes incorporating odour control systems which will effectively neutralize unpleasant smells.
On the topic of the high price of the project, Currie stated that it is due to challenges being faced in the construction sector throughout Ontario. This includes volatility over material and fuel costs. Currie stated that depending on how quickly District Committees and Council approve the contract construction on the project could begin by early next year.
The Engineering and Public Works Committee voted to approve the contract which will be put before a full district council at a later date.
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Mac Redden says
Drunken sailors are thriftier.
Fight back against the District “Smugly Wasting Taxpayer Money” and save $1,000+ per year.
Instead of handing it over to the District to waste.
Go south in the winter with the money you save.
Your own independent systems are FAR cheaper.
Most Muskoka residents live around the lakes and are off grid for water and sewer now.
They complain about high taxes but don’t have to pay $2,400/year for services like those in town.
Costs are so high here it’s possible to save $1,000/year with extreme water conservation/substitution.
Search “Oppose Bracebridge Sewers” for techniques and the future of water and sewer.
Just don’t complain about the District “Smugly Wasting Taxpayer Money” with a giant sign on your lawn or your home may be blown up. True story.
Mac Redden says
So how far over budget is this latest District debacle? Is it over $100 million yet?
The pumping station is just one part of this ridiculously expensive project.
Baysville water and sewer was 4X!!! the budget.
Residents were told the cost per month would be $50. Then they got bills for $150/month at the time.
$200/month now which is typical in Muskoka.
When you include the costs shown/hidden on your property taxes.
There is no affordable housing in town with costs like that.
No other municipality hides around $1,000 of water and sewer cost on property taxes.
Highest cost in Ontario for water and sewer in spite of easy access to unlimited water.
$100/month even if you are away and have zero usage.
As a result of blowing $620 million!! on 18!! mostly tiny, underutilized water and sewer plants for only 12,000 connections.
https://southmuskoka.doppleronline.ca/municipal-water-and-sewer-rates-going-up/
Another $65+ million being blown in Huntsville right now.
Rapidly approaching a BILLION dollars!!
Save $1,000 and go south in the winter with extreme water conservation. Instead of handing it over to the District to waste.
Money saving ideas are here:
https://sites.google.com/site/opposebracebridgesewers/