The sewage plant comes first

Every new home in the village needs room at the sewage plant. A home over a shop does too. We have little room left, so the plant comes first.

What we know

"The downstream sanitary sewers, the Lions Park pumping station, the forced main and wastewater treatment plant are currently at or near capacity." Source: Council agenda 27 Jan 2026, p.113.
The pumping station has room left for about 94 homes. One phase of new homes already holds it. Source: Council agenda 12 Sep 2023, p.126.
The plant went over its phosphorus limit in five months of 2025. The Ministry got a report of each one. Source: 2025 Wastewater Annual Report, Council agenda 10 Mar 2026, p.61.
The Province turned down the grant for the plant in 2024 and in 2025. The bid "scored well on technical merit and financial capacity". It scored lower on "housing impact, criticality of health and safety and housing readiness". Source: Report R9, 27 Jan 2026, p.119; Report R14, 28 Jul 2026, p.199.
The Ministry of the Environment offered a letter to back the next bid. Source: Council agenda 27 Jan 2026, p.124.
The County approves new streets of homes. The Township sets its own terms. On the last one, it gave the builder five years before the go-ahead runs out. The law allows three. Source: Council agenda 27 Jan 2026, p.106 and p.114.

Sewer space goes to homes that get built. A written, public rule gives each builder a deadline, and space they don't use goes to someone who will. Homes people can afford go first. Owners who gain from a new pipe help pay for it.
Who decides: Council alone.
A go-ahead that runs out sooner. Ask for the shortest time the law allows on each new street of homes. Set a time on our own site plans too.
Who decides: the County, for new streets. Council alone, for site plans. Source: Planning Act, s.41 and s.51.
Make the plant ready for a grant. Get the design done and the Ministry letter in hand.
Who decides: Council funds the work. The Province and Ottawa decide grants.
No new homes ahead of the pipes. Hold building on new land until the sewer can carry it.
Who decides: Council, through zoning. Source: holding rule on the 2026 plan, Council agenda 27 Jan 2026, p.107.