Ramara breaks ground on major wastewater infrastructure upgrade

Ramara, Ont. / May 15, 2026 – The Township of Ramara officially broke ground today on the Wastewater Treatment Facility 202 (Bayshore Village) project, marking a major step forward in modernizing the Township’s drinking water and wastewater system and protecting the local environment.

The project will replace aging spray irrigation fields with a modern underground tile bed system, improving year-round performance, enhancing reliability and strengthening environmental protection for nearby wetlands and Lake Simcoe.

The project, located on Barnstable Drive, is part of Connect and Protect: Building a Resilient Ramara, which  received $30 million in funding through the Ontario government’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program’s Health and Safety Water Stream (MHIP-HSWS). The government’s investment will help deliver a reliable, year-round wastewater treatment solution for Bayshore Village, replacing weather-dependent spray irrigation and reducing the need for effluent hauling. The Connect and Protect: Building a Resilient Ramara project will provide safe drinking water and wastewater services for approximately 1,825 existing homes.

“As we continue to navigate economic uncertainty and unwarranted U.S. tariffs, our government is protecting Ontario by investing in critical infrastructure that drives growth, creates jobs and strengthens communities,” said Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Acting Minister of Infrastructure. “These historic investments are helping communities like Ramara get shovels in the ground, building better water systems and laying the foundation for long-term prosperity.”

Since 2024, the Township has received $31 million in provincial infrastructure funding through MHIP and the Ontario Community Infrastructure Fund (OCIF) for critical local improvements that protect homes, support growth and enhance quality of life for residents.

“This investment is helping communities like Ramara move forward with essential infrastructure upgrades,” said Jill Dunlop, Member of Provincial Parliament for Simcoe North. “By supporting projects like this, we are protecting public health, safeguarding our environment, and ensuring communities have the infrastructure they need to grow.”

Today’s groundbreaking reflects a strong partnership between municipal and provincial governments and a shared commitment to investing in infrastructure that supports healthy communities, protects natural resources and builds for the future. The government’s support will significantly reduce the financial burden on local wastewater users.

“This is an exciting and important milestone for our community,” said Mayor Basil Clarke. “Today’s groundbreaking represents the start of a project that will modernize critical infrastructure, improve system performance and help protect our natural environment. I would like to thank the Government of Ontario for this critical investment in the long-term sustainability and resilience of Ramara.”

The Barnstable Drive project will be completed in phases, with six of the 11 tile beds expected to be operational by end of 2026 and full completion anticipated by 2027.

During construction, the existing system will remain in operation to ensure uninterrupted service and continued compliance with environmental regulations.

For more information, visit ramara.ca/project202.

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Media Contact
Melissa Gowanlock
Manager of Communications & Community Experience
705-484-5374 ext. 322
mgowanlock@ramara.ca