Sewage site forced on East Gwillimbury: mayor

By L.H. Tiffany Hsieh Era Banner Sep 25, 2012 

When it comes to the Upper York Sewage Solution project site, East Gwillimbury was voluntold.

The dismay in the latest development of northern York Region’s new sewage treatment plant was rehashed by Mayor Virginia Hackson at Thursday’s regional council meeting.

“We have not been asked — we’ve been told,” she said of the recommended site one kilometre north of Queensville Sideroad.

Calling it “unfortunate”, Ms Hackson lamented the lack of detailed information related to the advanced technology proposed for treatment. While the proposed water reclamation centre will employ environmentally sustainable wastewater purification and water recycling technologies, Ms Hackson said residents have been told sewage plants can change the quality of their lives.

Several questions including chemical use, odour control, truck traffic and overflow measure remain unanswered, she said.

“How does it fit with the Official Plan?” Ms Hackson questioned. “We are not convinced this is right for the community without the technology information.”

All designs to do with the project will adhere to requirements by the Environment Ministry, York’s environmental services commissioner Erin Mahoney reassured council.

The region is committed to deal with issues “when they come”, Mr. Fisch said.

That being said, “Once it’s built, it’s there and nobody cares about it,” he added.

The region is undertaking the Upper York Sewage Solution environmental assessment to determine wastewater servicing for Aurora, East Gwillimbury and Newmarket to meet provincially approved growth to 2031.

To learn more about the project, you can attend one of two public information forums: Oct. 3 at the Newmarket Community Centre and Lions Hall, 200 Doug Duncan Dr. or Oct. 4 at the Holland Landing Community Centre, 19513 Yonge St.

Each open house starts at 6:30 p.m., followed by presentations and a question and answer period from 7 to 9 p.m.