Erin receives provincial approval for wastewater system

ERIN – After 13 years of emotional debate, technical studies and unexplained delays, the Town of Erin has received unconditional provincial approval to proceed with development of a wastewater system.

The Wastewater Environmental Assessment was mandated in 2006, effectively suspending all subdivision construction.

It actually started in 2009 and was completed in 2018 at a cost of more than $2 million, but was delayed for 15 months while the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks reviewed appeals from area citizens.

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“I am thrilled that the minister is satisfied with the completed assessment,” said Mayor Allan Alls.

“As we continue towards the next phase of our project, council remains dedicated to engaging with residents on ways to get involved.”

Ann Seymour of Belfountain, one of the official objectors, said opponents will not give up.

“We will be pursuing our work to halt this wastewater treatment plant,” she said.

The town must decide which lands should be developed first, and can now proceed with engineering work on a system that could cost $118 million and allow the urban population to triple to 14,600 when fully complete.

However, it also must convince senior levels of government to pay the bulk of the cost.