Local Journalism Initiative Reporter
BERWICK – The main item on the agenda for the Sept. 22 meeting of North Stormont Council was the approval of the single-source procurement of CIMA+ to update the Water and Wastewater Master Plan for the Villages of Crysler, Finch and Moose Creek.
CIMA+ will update a previous report completed by R.V. Anderson in 2024 that used 2021 data. The new Water and Wastewater Master Plan will include the development of a 30-year plan for capital and asset management. The estimated total cost for the project provided by CIMA+ is $137,300. Council approved the funding at an upset limit cost of $150,000, reallocated from the unspent 2026 Water Capital Budget.
The Township of North Stormont is preparing to apply for upcoming intakes of the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, a grant program that waives development charges for municipalities. The Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program is designed to support infrastructure development in the areas of wastewater, water, and roads to help build more housing. The first phase of the program opens Oct. 29 and closes Dec. 2, with subsequent rounds coming in 2027.
Considering recent growth in North Stormont, updates to the Water and Wastewater Master Plan will be an important part of supporting future growth, servicing needs, and long-term infrastructure planning in Crysler, Finch, and Moose Creek.
“I agree with the fact that we need to keep moving,” said Deputy Mayor Densham, “We’ve actually created some good momentum with the work that’s been done so far in Moose Creek (sewer system reinforcement).”
Densham agreed that it is important to identify and prioritize infrastructure projects to support growth in the Township and asked for clarification that the single-source procurement of CIMA+ for this project is cost effective.
CAO Chad Brownlee replied, “The work that we’ve been doing with CIMA+ for the Moose Creek wastewater treatment plant, I’m very impressed with the process that they go through … We’re comfortable working with them; they know what we have. They’ve worked through the systems that we have, so that’s a comfort level time-wise, and to me, it looks like a fair price for what they’re going to be doing.”
As part of this grant program, municipalities are required to contribute 20 percent. Council acknowledged that this Master Plan could potentially be incorporated into that amount. Water meters may also be a project funded by the township to support current and future conservation efforts as required by the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program.
Graduated from University of Ottawa with a BA in Communications, minor in psychology in 2015. Passionate about sharing stories, supporting businesses/ entrepreneurs. Started in freelance work writing about the crowdfunding industry and worked in marketing prior to writing for Seaway News in 2022/23. Married with three boys, a dog and cat. Enjoys reading and crochet, is a certified yoga instructor. Even though I am from Cornwall, my family enjoys taking day trips in the area and I was born and raised here. I look forward to getting to know North Stormont better and report on community events/highlights, as well as issues that concern residents.
