The Town of Carleton Place has started work on major upgrades to its water and wastewater treatment plants, with Stantec providing construction services.

Both facilities will be overhauled to relieve operational constraints and support the town’s rapid population growth, which is projected to rise from 15,000 to 25,000 residents over the next two decades.

The wastewater treatment plant will see its capacity increase from 7.9 million litres per day (MLD) to 10.6 MLD on an average day, and from 22 MLD to 42.5 MLD during peak hours. The expansion design features a conversion from conventional treatment to a membrane bioreactor facility providing a robust and reliable treatment system.

The water treatment plant’s capacity will increase from 12 MLD to 19.5 MLD.

With a construction value of $133 million, the project represents the largest infrastructure investment in Carleton Place’s history. ASCO Construction Ltd. was awarded the contract following a competitive tendering process, and work is expected to continue into early 2029 for both treatment plants.

“We’re honoured to support Carleton Place in this vital initiative,” said Stantec’s project manager Pascal Pitre. “As a full-service firm, we bring the momentum and experience needed to manage complex infrastructure projects, helping communities like Carleton Place grow sustainably while protecting public health and the environment.”

Throughout the design process, Stantec worked closely with town staff and Ontario Clean Water Agency plant operators to develop upgrades that balance functionality, reliability, operability, cost, and constructability.