How much more sewage can the Town of Huntsville handle as it continues to approve multi-residential developments in urban areas? That’s a question staff at the District Municipality of Muskoka, which manages water and sewer treatment throughout the region, is hoping to have an answer for by no later than the end of this year.
They are presently assessing Huntsville’s sewage treatment capacity for the next 20 years, particularly since the Mountview Sewage Treatment Plant is more than 50 years old and its technology is outdated. A Class C Environmental Assessment carried out in 2014 confirmed that the preferred option to accommodate all of Huntsville’s sewage treatment would be to decommission the old plant entirely and expand the Golden Pheasant Sewage plant on Highway 60.
The project is particularly welcomed by area residents because it would remove the plant from Huntsville’s downtown core waterfront area – it sits across the river from the Canada Summit Centre. The move would also better protect the watershed by removing ammonia, nitrate and phosphorous from the treated effluent that goes back into the Muskoka River.
Closing the Mountview plant and expanding the Golden Pheasant plant would also improve operational efficiency and costs by having one instead of two plants to maintain, while implementing updated technology, according to District staff. It would also bring treatment into compliance with more stringent Federal regulations, which become effective in 2021. Additionally, it is ultimately expected to provide the required capacity to meet growth in Muskoka’s fastest growing community.
Hefty $65 million price tag
However, the project carries a hefty price tag. In a written statement to Doppler, Fred Jahn, District Commissioner of Engineering and Public Works, stated, “At this time, we continue to seek Provincial and Federal funding to assist with the project cost of $65M. We are also currently undertaking a review process to determine if the project delivery can be carried out more cost effectively as well as in stages.”
Last March, significant rainfall and spring thaw exacerbated the wastewater flows going into both of Huntsville’s treatment plants with only partially treated effluent being discharged into the Muskoka River from the Mountview plant and to Fairy Lake from the Golden Pheasant plant.
So how long does Huntsville have until capacity becomes a problem?
“While we do have available treatment capacity at this time, a comprehensive review is being undertaken to confirm all of the development requirements. This will take into consideration the projected growth for the Town of Huntsville to meet foreseeable needs for up to 20 years,” stated Jahn.
Jahn says the process of establishing capacity will include the following:
- Reviewing current water and waste plant operations, namely determining maximum and average flow requirements;
- Looking at commitments made to developers through servicing agreements for future flow, i.e. how much and when;
- Working with the Town of Huntsville to forecast upcoming development and population growth; and
- Reviewing the impact of inflow and infiltration and assessing opportunities to correct these issues to free up existing capacity.
“Developing a timeline is something that we are working on as it involves external consultants and approvals. However, we would be aiming to have this completed by the end of the year if not sooner,” he noted.
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Holly Stewart says
Currently Clublink is applying for a zoning change to the Grandview 9 Hole Golf Course to allow for the future development of upwards of 400 more condo units. This would be a huge impact on the water and sewage situation not to mention losing a vital recreational aspect of the area. There is a public meeting scheduled on August 10th in Council Chambers of The Town Hall in Huntsville.
Elizabeth Rice - Doppler Publisher says
Thanks for the information Holly.
Holly Stewart says
Dear Ms. Rice, it would be very helpful if The Doppler would research and publish an article informing the public (few of whom know about this Clublink rezoning application) of the potential negative impact the development of the Grandview 9 Hole golf course would have on both the environment and on the market value of the existing condos. I would be happy to put you in touch with some or all of the 5 Grandview Condo Corp. Presidents who are all actively opposing the rezoning on behalf of their owners.
Elizabeth Rice - Doppler Publisher says
Thank you Holly. Please send the contact information to my email address [email protected] or feel free to share my address with them. We will be in touch.
Elizabeth Rice - Doppler Publisher says
UPDATE: The Clublink rezoning application has been pulled from the Town’s August 10 planning meeting because it is incomplete. Doppler will continue to follow this story.