News release-proposed agreement on water supply

News release date – July 22, 2022 

Town of Collingwood and Town of New Tecumseth propose updated collaborative agreement on water supply 

NEW TECUMSETH, ON – The Towns of Collingwood and New Tecumseth have drafted an updated collaborative agreement for Collingwood to continue to supply New Tecumseth with treated water from Georgian Bay. 

The towns have been working cooperatively since the expiration of the previous agreement in 2020, to ensure better positioning for the municipalities as they both continue to grow and require more water.   

The proposed agreement will be before both Councils for review, discussion, and direction at each of the Towns’ July 25^th meetings. Pending public comments and feedback, a final Council vote is expected to take place on August 18, 2022. 

The Town of Collingwood has been supplying treated water to New Tecumseth since the year 2000, and no change to the quantity of water provided will occur until the newly expanded water treatment plant is completed (expected in 2026). 

The proposed agreement addresses the proportionate share of costs for New Tecumseth with respect to the expansion of the Raymond A. Barker Water Treatment Plant, as well as the ongoing supply rate and possible future expansions.  Additionally, an updated supply rate structure has been introduced that is consistent with the principles of water rate setting by the American Water Works Association which includes full cost recovery and asset management which will help to ensure stability well into the future. 

Should both Council’s for the Towns of Collingwood and New Tecumseth approve moving forward with the agreement as presented, a joint operational committee will be formed to continue the collaborative efforts of the municipalities and will provide oversight and review of the planning process for both the initial and future expansion, review of the maintenance and capital budget as well as the annual supply rate. 

“Collingwood has supplied water to the Town of New Tecumseth for over 20 years, and a new agreement will ensure that the best interests of both communities continue to be met in a transparent and financially responsible manner.  This collaboration will achieve greater efficiencies and enable growth for both communities,” said Town of Collingwood Chief Administrative Officer, Sonya Skinner. 

“Both municipalities have been committed to working together to address our water supply needs for today and in the future. We look forward to continuing to work with the Town of Collingwood,” said New Tecumseth Chief Administrative Officer, Blaine Parkin. 

The new streamlined contract, detailing clear commitments from both sides, similar to other inter-municipal water agreements in Ontario, will be before both Councils on Monday, July 25^th. The Town of Collingwood will hold a Special Strategic Initiatives meeting at 10:00 a.m. Members of the public are welcome to attend in person or virtually to provide feedback. The agenda containing the draft agreement is available at: https://collingwood.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=1177

The proposed updated agreement will be before the Town of New Tecumseth Council during the Committee of the Whole meeting on Monday, July 25^th at 6:00 p.m. Members of the public wishing to provide input can make a deputation to Committee of the Whole and must preregister by completing a Deputation Request form online at https://newtecumseth.civicweb.net/Portal/71075/DeputationRequestForm/ no later than 12:00 p.m. on the day of the meeting. The Town of New Tecumseth report and the entire agenda for the July 25^th Committee of the Whole and Council meeting is available at: https://newtecumseth.civicweb.net/Portal/MeetingInformation.aspx?Org=Cal&Id=1266