Chatham-Kent Public Utilities Commission (CK PUC) has a lot of work to do to address long term water and wastewater shortfalls and challenges as it prepares for growth.
On Monday night, CK council approved several measures, including proceeding with several shovel-ready projects, a water and wastewater master plan update, community consultation regarding future water and wastewater rates, and community engagement over halting or delaying projects, including plans for a Wallaceburg Water Treatment Plant, which has ballooned from $40 million to around $200 million.
Council had a few deputations on Monday night at its council meeting, but admitted to many concerns sent by the community at large over its water planning.
The master plan update is designed to reduce a billion dollar price tag for water and wastewater infrastructure needed in the future.
A June report suggested looking at running water lines from the Chatham water treatment plant to serve water needs in Wallaceburg, Ridgetown and Blenheim.
Current Chair of WATCH Group (Wallaceburg Advisory Team for a Cleaner Habitat) Joel Johnson told council getting their water from Lake Erie is downgrading Wallaceburg's water source.
"Sarnia Chemical Valley has cleaned up its act in the last 20 years due to community vigilance on Sarnia industries with the help of the government's St. Clair River Remedial Action Plan. The industries on Lake Erie have not done the same. They're still releasing unacceptable amounts of pollutants," said Johnson.
Former Chair of WATCH Group Chris Lee told council that discharges on Lake Erie continue to be a concern and wants council to explore innovative solutions.
"According to Great Lakes Eco-Region Network, a bi-national group of independent experts on the Great Lakes, the state of Lake Erie remains concerning. The status of the discharges, especially from the US. into Lake Erie should be paramount on any long term degree," Lee noted.
CK PUC General Manager Darren Galbraith told council that treated Lake Erie water is safe to drink.
Wallaceburg Councillor Carmen McGregor said connecting to Lambton is not feasible, but more information is required as to why.
CK Chief Financial Officer Gord Quinton told council that an updated master plan will provide council with a much needed update on costs because they've skyrocketed since the last financial assessment in 2023.
The motion was approved by a vote of 17-0.
A scathing report in June was deferred to Monday night in order to have more discussion on the very expensive and difficult issue.