The project will include:

• new low-pressure sanitary sewer system on Ridge Avenue, Lone Birch Trail and Maple Trail discharging to Sewage Pumping Station #2 on Simcoe Road
• sanitary sewer service laterals to the property line of each property 
• roadworks, including base and surface course asphalt; and
• restoration of driveways and boulevards to the existing conditions in the areas disturbed by the installation of the necessary infrastructure 

• This project is still in the early stages. We understand that residents have many important questions. As construction planning progresses and more details become available, the Township will provide clear, timely updates to all impacted property owners.
• The Township is committed to keeping residents informed at every key project milestone from final timelines and payment options to construction impacts and connection requirements. Thank you for your patience as we move forward carefully and responsibly with this important community infrastructure project.

The location of the work is as follows:

Ridge Avenue from The Steps to Lake Avenue, Lone Birch Trail from Simcoe Road to the end, Maple Trail from Lone Birch Trail to Lakeshore Drive, and Simcoe Road from Lone Birch Trail to Lake Avenue.

This area was first identified within the Brechin Sanitary Servicing Preliminary Report (1998) as an area that has the potential to be serviced by the municipal Wastewater Treatment Plant located in Lagoon City.  In 2004, the environmental and health concerns associated with the on-site sewage disposal systems were highlighted and the project was initiated.  

The Township has completed significant work in evaluating the options for sewer servicing on Ridge Avenue, Lone Birch Trail and Maple Trail over the past number of years. At it’s meeting of January 16, 2023, Council approved Report #ID-02-23 and authorized staff to complete the design and tendering process for the installation of a low-pressure sanitary sewer system to connect these properties.  In June 2025, the Township awarded the contract for construction to K.J. Excavating Inc. 

• No more pumping or maintaining aging on-site treatment systems (septic systems or holding tanks). 

• Eliminates the risk of costly emergency repairs or full septic system replacements (which can range from $30,000–$60,000). 

• Real estate professionals consistently rate municipal services as a key factor in property value.
• Municipal servicing supports additions, renovations, or new construction that may not be permitted on lots with outdated or undersized septic systems. 

• Helps property owners maximize the value and usability of their land. 

• Removes the risk of septic or holding tank leakage near drinking water sources or Lake Simcoe. 

• Supports clean groundwater and aligns with environmental best practices. 

• Professionally managed system operated by the Ontario Clean Water Agency.

• Professional engineers and the Township’s project team has developed conservative cost estimates at approximately $55,000 per property to provide residents with a reliable planning range.  
• This estimate reflects each property owner’s share of the total project cost, including construction, engineering, and built-in contingencies for unknown site conditions. The cost also accounts for borrowing costs and for inflation since the project was first proposed.  
• Final costs will be confirmed once construction is complete and all actual expenses, including construction, engineering, and financing, are finalized.
• As the project progresses, we are committed to keeping residents informed.  

It will be the responsibility of the property owner to install and maintain the grinder pump as part of your plumbing. The pump needs to meet the specifications that will be provided in the coming months.  It can be purchased through a contractor or plumber, or directly from suppliers. There are no preferred name brands as long as the system is capable of lifting the sewage to the main.

The Township will communicate with property owners the appropriate timeframe and instruction to complete the connection process. This will include the following:

1) Apply for a building permit ($275)

2) Hire a qualified contractor to install the grinder pump and connect to the service at the road.

3) Decommission any existing septic or holding tank.