The Municipality of West Nipissing will receive up to $18,158,750 from the Ontario government to expand water infrastructure and provide an alternative source of drinking water for households in Verner. The funding comes from the province’s Health and Safety Water Stream under the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program.
According to preliminary designs, the project cost is estimated around $24 million. The provincial contribution will cover approximately three-quarters of the project’s eligible costs, with the Municipality funding the balance. Municipal Council and Administration will continue to pursue additional funding opportunities.
The Health and Safety Water Stream funding will allow the Municipality to invest in new infrastructure rather than relying on costly upgrades or replacement of the aging facility. The large-scale project includes the construction of a new water main from Cache Bay to Verner and converting Verner’s existing treatment plant into a pumping station. According to Elizabeth Henning, Director of Infrastructure, the existing Verner water treatment plant is expected to reach its life expectancy by 2035. Detailed design work for the new water infrastructure is already under way. Construction is planned to begin in June 2027, with completion required by March 31, 2029, in accordance with the terms of the funding agreement.
Quotes
Mayor Kathleen Thorne Rochon said, “Without provincial support, this project would not have been feasible, and what’s impressive is the scale of the investment.” She added, “Council set out to address major issues during this term, and Verner’s drinking water was one of them. The advocacy work that happens outside of Council meetings is constant, so it’s exciting to see those efforts lead to solutions.”
Fernand Pellerin, Ward 7 Councillor and Chair of the Water and Sewer Committee, has advocated for the issue since the beginning of Council’s term in 2022. “I get a lot of calls about water issues, that’s why I continue to bring it up at Council meetings.” Pellerin said. “I think many people in Ward 7 are going to be happy. The community has been waiting a long time for something like this.”
Mike Pilon, West Nipissing’s Chief Administrative Officer, expressed, “This partnership represents a significant achievement. As a newly appointed CAO, I am proud of the dedication shown by our municipal staff, Mayor and Council, who have worked collaboratively over several years to develop a long-term solution. This outcome reflects a focused and sustained campaign of advocacy at the provincial and federal level in support of access to quality drinking water for West Nipissing residents. We are very pleased to see this important project move forward with support from the government.”
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