Mapleton water, wastewater expansion pegged at $25 million
MAPLETON – It will cost at least $25 million to expand the township's water and wastewater systems and accommodate the growth forecast for communities like Moorefield and Drayton over the next 10 years.
According to a new report from Mapleton's director of public works Jamie Morgan, constructing and designing the expanded water and wastewater systems is estimated to cost $25 million, not including other project-related costs like professional advisory services, site investigations, financing costs and operations and maintenance costs.
"The Township of Mapleton is currently planning to deliver these upgrades in a piecemealed manner, which is driven primarily by short-term budgetary constraints," said staff in the report. "The Township’s preference is to explore a collaborative project delivery solution wherein the planned capital work can be bundled, financed, and delivered in a cost-effective manner for the benefit of the township."
Staff are recommending council approve partnering with Graham Capital to finance the project parts not covered by the $5 million Mapleton has already secured from the federal government.
If approved during next Tuesday's council meeting, staff said Graham Capital will have to describe their general approach to project financing and what portions of the project cost will be financed via debt and equity.
Three of the six township's project objectives in the report focus on the cost and state project affordability needs to be prioritized to minimize "burdens to the residents of the community."
The township approved privately financing the water and wastewater system expansion during a council meeting in September 2023.
All assets, design, maintenance and operations are to be left in the township's control.
Construction is anticipated to be completed no later than 2033.
The proposed expansion projects are varied but generally related to capacity water storage, treatment, and distribution capacity improvements, wastewater treatment capacity expansion, and wastewater conveyance capacity expansion said staff in the report.
Council will discuss the report in a meeting next Tuesday.
Isabel Buckmaster is the Local Journalism Initiative reporter for GuelphToday. LJI is a federally-funded program.
Isabel Buckmaster, Local Journalism Initiative Reporter, GuelphToday.com
