Lakeshore approves $69-million in major wastewater upgrades

Town of Lakeshore sign.

Lakeshore is making one of the largest infrastructure investments in its history.

The municipality has approved more than $69-million to replace the aging Stoney Point sewage lagoons as Lakeshore prepares for future growth.

Lakeshore council signed off on the funding during its most recent meeting, committing to build a new sewage treatment plant in 2027 to serve communities such as Comber and Stoney Point-Pointe-aux-Roches.

Council also approved more than $7-million for the Belle River sanitary sewer expansion, which is expected to begin in 2030.

Municipal officials say these projects are critical as Lakeshore continues to grow, with increasing pressure on existing water and wastewater systems and stricter environmental requirements driving the need for upgrades.

The investment also comes with some financial relief for residents as the municipality says nearly $80-million in provincial and federal grant funding secured since 2025 has helped significantly reduce projected increases to water and wastewater rates.

Interim CAO Justin Rousseau says it’s two separate projects.

“It’s an additional $69-million for Stoney Point, and the Comber lagoons. We’ve already approved some funding for that for design work, so that’s an addition to that. So that total project is about $74-million, so this is the actual construction piece that council required approval for. And then the $7-million is for the Belle River Sanitary Trunk.”

He says both of these projects are crucial.

“They were identified as critical projects one and two in our Water and Wastewater Master Plan. These are assets that need significant upgrade and replacement, and there’s nothing more critical than protecting the wastewater network and the water network of our municipality.”

Rousseau says Comber residents won’t see much of an impact when work begins.

“That sanitary truck that is required to connect the two pieces will run down a rural road, so I don’t think there will be too much effect in that area. In Belle River you’ll see some construction, for sure, as that project kicks off. We still have to determine where the sanitary trunk will go back from our plant to Belle River, but that one you can expect a little bit of disruption.”

Council also approved plans to develop a debt financing strategy and add staffing support to help manage the large-scale projects.

Municipal officials say the upgrades are designed to support long-term development while ensuring reliable wastewater servicing for communities across Lakeshore.