Newmarket's water supply, treatment, storage getting future-proofing upgrades

Drinking water treatment facilities in Newmarket and across northern York Region will be getting some upgrades to ensure the water system is reliable and can withstand potential disasters in the years to come. 

On Monday in Newmarket, the federal government announced that it would be providing $18.1 million through its Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund to support a wide range of improvements across the region. York Region will be contributing $27 million toward the project, as well.

Tony Van Bynen, MP for Newmarket–Aurora, and Helena Jaczek, MP for Markham–Stouffville, on behalf of Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, and Wayne Emmerson, York Region chairman and CEO, announced the funding to upgrade the water supply, treatment, and storage of drinking water in northern York Region.

Mike Rabeau, director of capital and planning at York Region's environmental services, said the money will make a big difference as the municipality tries to prepare for potential problems caused by climate change.

"The environment is changing, underground water levels and mineral content are changing with the climate," he told NewmarketToday.

"We don't know what we are going to see in the future, so it's important to have a robust system in place."

Newmarket, like other York Region communities, relies on groundwater wells to meet its drinking water requirements. Some of the money promised on Monday will give well facilities in Newmarket the ability to deal with changing mineral content.

"The good facilities in Newmarket will add treatment for iron and manganese removal, which will help protect the water system," explained Rabeau. 

"What it will help do is help ensure sustainable water delivery in the future. Future generations will really benefit from this in Newmarket."

Newmarket-Aurora MP Tony Van Bynen said the federal government recognizes that it needs to help strengthen communities to face future adversity.

"If we have learned anything during this pandemic, it is a heightened awareness of what it means to be part of a community. How critical it is that we look out for each other, count each other, protect each other, and see every day that community is what we choose to make it," he said.

"I have constantly been thinking about how infrastructure investments and how they strengthen and support communities."

“The supply of safe, clean drinking water is one of the most important responsibilities that a municipality bears. Climate change is presenting new challenges and opportunities to source water closer to the end user and to build our facilities to adapt to and mitigate the effects of climate change," Newmarket Mayor John Taylor said. "This significant investment from the federal government will allow Newmarket and York Region to continue to be leaders in our important work to address climate change and to ensure that our residents never have to worry about the quality of their water.”