Trunk water main project to upgrade aging infrastructure and improve capacity
SMITHS FALLS — In just two months the Town of Smiths Falls has secured nearly $20 million in infrastructure funding, including $13.3 million for the trunk water main project.
Smiths Falls council heard the news from Chief Administration Officer Malcolm Morris during the regular committee of the whole meeting on Feb. 23.
“Through the leadership of this council we have secured close to $20 million so far between this funding program, and Connecting Links (for bridge repairs) … in two months,” Morris said.
Approval was given on Monday for a transfer payment agreement with the province to secure more than $13 million in funding for a major water and sewer infrastructure project tied to the town’s new water tower. It relates to the Trunk Watermain Upgrade and Sewer Separation project, funded through the Health and Safety Water Stream under the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program.
The agreement secures $13.3 million in provincial funding toward the project’s total eligible cost of approximately $18.2 million, with the Town of Smiths Falls responsible for the remaining $4.9 million.
Public works director Paul McMunn told council the project was identified through a municipal class environmental assessment completed by JL Richards and Associates in 2019 as critical to ensuring adequate domestic water supply and fire protection for the new water tower.
The preferred alignment spans roughly 1.9 kilometres, running from the intersection of Chambers Street and Empress Avenue to the water tower site on Air Care Drive, across from the public works yard.
In addition to upgrading the trunk watermain from 12 inches to 16 inches, the project will include full replacement of aged underground and surface infrastructure within the corridor. That work includes separating the existing combined sewer system into dedicated sanitary and storm sewer lines.
McMunn said the upgrades will deliver long-term asset renewal and reduce infrastructure risk along the corridor.
Under the program, the province will fund up to 73 per cent of eligible project costs. Smiths Falls was officially notified of its successful funding application in January.
Detailed design for Phase 1 is currently underway by EVB Engineering, with tendering anticipated in late March or early April. Construction will be delivered in three phases in 2026, 2027 and 2028. The project must begin by June 30, 2026, and be completed by March 31, 2029.
McMunn said the town’s aim is to complete construction by the fall of 2028 to avoid winter work extending into 2029.
During the discussion, Coun. Chris McGuire raised questions about sidewalk placement and whether opportunities may exist to reduce sidewalks to one side of the road in certain sections.
McMunn said detailed design for later phases has not yet been finalized, but staff will assess traffic volumes, safety considerations and accessibility standards as plans advance. Any new sidewalks would meet current accessibility requirements.
Mayor ashawn Pankow also asked about the longer-term benefits of sewer separation and whether additional side streets feeding into the corridor would eventually require upgrades.
McMunn said the current scope is limited to the main corridor, but future work on side streets could be considered through the town’s asset management planning and future funding opportunities.
Council supported proceeding with the agreement, allowing the town to formally secure provincial funding and move the project forward.
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