By Robin MacLennan
Ontario Construction Report staff writer
The Regional Municipality of Niagara has selected Stantec for two projects as part of the South Niagara Wastewater Treatment Solutions (SNWWTS) program.
Work includes detailed design and provisional construction management services for both the new South Niagara Wastewater Treatment Plant and outfall, as well as the South Niagara Trunk Sewer.
These projects are essential for managing wastewater in the City of Niagara Falls and surrounding municipalities as they grow. With anticipated increases in wastewater due to residential and employment expansion, including the growing tourism industry in Niagara Falls, the new infrastructure will support this development while addressing the challenges posed by wet weather flows.
“The work we’re doing is vital for supporting the region’s growth,” said Mike Kocher, Stantec’s design manager for the South Niagara Wastewater Treatment Plant. “Our local team, supported by global experts, is excited to collaborate with Niagara Region to deliver a project that ensures reliable and sustainable service for the area.”
The overall SNWWTS program, with an estimated capital cost of C$400 million, aims to reduce basement flooding risks and system overflows while supporting regional growth. The wastewater treatment plant, which is slated for completion in 2029, will have a rated capacity of 30 million litres of wastewater per day.
“These projects are personally significant to me as a Niagara region resident,” said Neil Harvey, Stantec’s project manager for the South Niagara Trunk Sewer. “Our team is eager to take on this opportunity with a committed design and construction group that has a proven track record of delivering successful projects.”
In line with the plant’s design, the project team will also explore the possibility of obtaining Envision verification, an environmental and social certification for sustainable infrastructure. Stantec earned Canada’s first Envision-verified project in 2015 with the Grand Bend Area Wastewater Treatment Facility in Ontario.
Stantec is also contributing expertise to the South Niagara Hospital, one of the facilities that will send flows to the new wastewater treatment plant. The company’s Buildings team is providing planning, design, and conformance services for the new hospital, which will consolidate services from three sites and improve access to care for residents.