Blyth will be getting a new wastewater treatment plant this year, thanks to funding from the Ontario government.
On Thursday, Huron-Bruce MPP Lisa Thompson announced that the Municipality of North Huron has been successful in its application to the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program through the Health and Safety Water Stream.
The Municipality will receive over $3.5 million, which will almost fully cover the cost of building the new plant.
"We're very fortunate for MPP Lisa Thompson bringing this to us today," said Reeve Paul Heffer. "All of council and staff is very thankful for that."
Municipal staff say the current system has been in place for over 50 years and they've been exploring a replacement since the sand filters began failing last year.
Now, they'll be able to build a new Blyth facility with a cloth filter medium and a UV disinfection outlet.
Nelson Santos, North Huron CAO said the new plant would help accommodate more homes down the line.
"It's meant for security, stability and sustainability for the existing users, but also supports the growth in Blyth that's being anticipated," he said. "It addresses the concerns from the past, brings it up to speed (with a) modern plant that will be more efficient and effective for the services here."
North Huron has already began the pre-construction process, with work tentatively set to begin mid-March.
Director of Public Works Kevin Watson said the new facility will be built to the northeast of the existing one and there should be little disruption from the work.
"I think there will be minimal disruption aside from equipment coming in and out of North Drive," he said, adding the switch over to the new one should occur within a day.
The new plant could be completed as early as November.
