Aquifer discovery secures Stayner water supply

The discovery of an aquifer north east of Stayner has prompted an addendum to a 2008 study to assess long-term water supply requirements for a number of communities in Clearview, based on forecasted growth.
The update was presented to Clearview council on May 10 by RJ Burnside engineers Jennifer Georgas and Jennifer Vandemeer.
A long-term water supply Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) set out to determine the long-term water supply needs and water servicing options for the airport lands, New Lowell and Brentwood, Nottawa and Batteaux, Osler recreation lands and Stayner. At the time there were no viable groundwater sources identified and the preferred alternative was to connect to the Collingwood New Tecumseth (CNT) Pipeline, which has service disruptions regularly.
However, as part of the work of the Ministry of Northern Development and Mines seismic survey, an aquifer was identified northeast of Stayner.
Based on a re-evaluation of the alternative solutions from the 2008 MCEA, the revised preferred solution is to expand the existing groundwater system through the development of the new groundwater source at the Klondike Park Road site and connect to the existing water distribution system for Stayner.
This means potable water could be accessible to new development as soon as late 2023 or early 2024 at a cost savings of at least $50 million when compared to connecting to the CNT Pipeline, and a $2.5 million annual saving in operation costs.
The timing is good because supply from CNT Pipeline is uncertain as Collingwood has just passed an interim control bylaw including a moratorium on any new development and water taking.
An eight-kilometre watermain is required to transport water and volumes of 120 litres per second, equivalent to approximately 3,800 single detached dwellings, or 11,500 residents.
A project cost of about $35 million would be funded through development charges and front-ending.
“This is a really good outcome and the cost savings alone, as Jennifer indicated, they’re going to benefit this community, well, forever,” said Mike Rawn.