Officials from the City of Hamilton, and the governments of Canada and Ontario held a ribbon cutting ceremony for the Woodward Wastewater Treatment Plant Upgrade project.
“This project is a testament to what can be accomplished when all three levels of government work together and invest in shared goals. I am proud to be here today and celebrate this major environmental project, knowing the positive impact this will have for Hamiltonians in the years to come,” said Hamilton Mayor Andrea Horwath.
The completion of the Woodward Upgrade Project is a significant milestone contributing towards the restoration of Hamilton Harbour, a designated Area of Concern (AOC) under the Canada-U.S. Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
“Now, for the first time in over 100 years, wastewater will no longer be the greatest source of phosphorus to Hamilton Harbour. It is exciting to reach this important milestone in improving water quality. This upgrade brings us closer to realizing the Remedial Action Plan vision of Hamilton Harbour being a vibrant centrepiece of our community,” said Kristin O’Connor, coordinator, Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan.
The City of Hamilton’s Clean Harbour Program manages the largest public investments in the Hamilton Harbour AOC in partnership with the Hamilton Harbour Remedial Action Plan. With the monumental achievements of the Woodward Upgrades Project, the City of Hamilton is supporting progress towards the goal of delisting Hamilton Harbour as an area of concern.
Today, we highlight the importance of our Hamilton Harbour, protecting our water, and the investments our federal government has made to ensure our ambitious city is growing. Investments such as the Woodward Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant are an example of our commitment to healthy, sustainable communities and the protection of our environment for generations to come,” said Filomena Tassi, MP for Hamilton West-Ancaster-Dundas.
“Essential local infrastructure like the Woodward Avenue Wastewater Treatment Plant is vital to building healthy and resilient communities. The upgrades to the plant will help protect the health of the community and environment by reducing wastewater pollution, improving water quality, and enhancing Hamilton’s ability to better manage wet weather conditions. We look forward to continuing to work with our municipal and federal partners to promote the sustainability and growth of Ontario’s communities, today and into the future,” said Kinga Surma, Ontario Minister of Infrastructure.
The Woodward Wastewater Treatment Plant is Hamilton’s main wastewater treatment facility and cleans approximately 96 per cent of Hamilton’s wastewater.
The project will reduce total phosphorus loading to Hamilton Harbour by 500 tonnes over a 10-year period.
The project saw $100 million each from the Government of Canada and the Province of Ontario, with the remainder funded through the City of Hamilton.
Featured image: (City of Hamilton)
