Victoria Harbour Wastewater Treatment Plant Capacity Upgrade

Addressing Capacity Challenges and Environmental Sustainability

The Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) in Victoria Harbour, has been a critical infrastructure asset for the local community since its construction in 1982. Initially built with a rated capacity of 2,364 cubic meters per day (m³/d), the plant has played a vital role in managing and treating wastewater, ensuring that the water entering the harbour meets environmental standards. However, over the years, increasing population growth and urban development in the area have put significant pressure on the plant’s capacity, resulting in a situation that requires urgent attention and upgrading. 

As of 2019, the Victoria Harbour WWTP faced a significant issue: its capacity began to exceed the rated limit of 2,364 m³/d. The plant's infrastructure, designed for a smaller community size, struggled to keep up with the demands of a growing population and increasing wastewater volumes. This situation led the Ministry of Environment, Conservation & Parks (MECP) to impose a development ban until the necessary upgrades to the plant were completed.

A development ban is typically a measure taken to prevent further stress on the wastewater treatment system until it is brought up to capacity standards. It is a precautionary approach to prevent potential environmental harm, such as untreated or poorly treated effluent being discharged into local water bodies, which could lead to contamination and affect the ecosystem of Victoria Harbour. The MECP's decision highlights the importance of sustainable development and responsible water management in ensuring that infrastructure keeps pace with community growth.

Tay Township has been working diligently with engineers and consultants to address the growing demand for the Victoria Harbour Wastewater Treatment Plant (WWTP) through an innovative double-phased expansion strategy. With the population in the area steadily increasing and the plant operating beyond its initial capacity, these upgrades are essential to ensure the plant can meet the future needs of the community while adhering to environmental standards.

Phase 1 of the expansion was successfully completed in 2017, marking a significant step in the plant's evolution. Phase 2 is set to begin in late 2026, with an increased daily treatment capacity that will ensure the facility is capable of handling future growth.

While the expansion of the Victoria Harbour WWTP is crucial for Tay Township’s long-term growth and environmental sustainability, the construction work for this project relies heavily on securing adequate funding. Unfortunately, the tender costs for the project came in over the projected budget, creating a financial shortfall that must be addressed before Phase 2 can proceed.

On January 16, 2026, Simcoe North MPP Jill Dunlop announced that Tay Township will receive $29,514,145 from the province's Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program's Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS) for the Victoria Harbour Wastewater Treatment Plant Expansion Phase II.  Read the full notice at tay.ca/news.

While the planned upgrades for Phase 2 are a major step forward, it is important to note that the timelines for the project are subject to change. As with any large infrastructure project, factors such as budget considerations, unforeseen delays, or changes in regulatory requirements can impact the final schedule. However, the projected timeline for the start of Phase 2 is late 2025 with funding considerations, with the expectation of increased capacity and enhanced treatment processes by the time the expansion is complete.