Collingwood water plant construction milestones each approximately six months behind schedule

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Posted October 16, 2025

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The first significant progress report on the $270 million water treatment plant construction in Collingwood, of which New Tecumseth's share is $170 million, blames "challenging site conditions" for pushing back the project milestone schedule.

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Specifically: groundwater levels and bay water infiltration during excavation of the intake chamber, and "unforeseen" conditions required additional dewatering measures, grouting and injection efforts to stabilize the excavation zone.

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There are 4,639 already approved housing units that can't move forward because of servicing constraints. Of those, more than 2,300 new houses could proceed to building permit in 2025-2028 if water was not an issue.

 

"The project schedule is experiencing slippage of 183 calendar days for Milestone No. 1 of the Contract and when the Town is expected to receive its initial increase in water capacity," according to the report to New Tecumseth. "The Contractor is exploring options to accelerate the project schedule by optimizing their concrete pour break plan/sequencing, increase equipment resourcing, and the excavation activities. As work transitions away from excavation and below-grade challenges, the project is entering a phase with more predictable conditions, allowing for improved schedule certainty and reduced risk exposure."