Ottawa Construction News staff writer
The Ontario government is investing up to $21.8 million to expand North Grenville’s 30-year-old wastewater treatment plant to support the construction of the new Eastern Ontario Correctional Complex (EOCC) in Kemptville.
The province will enter a cost-sharing agreement with the Municipality of North Grenville to fund the expansion, which is essential to meet the growing demand from both the new correctional facility and the expanding local population.
Solicitor General Michael Kerzner called the expansion a critical part of the EOCC project. “Today, we’re one step closer to getting the Eastern Ontario Correctional Complex done, while also improving water services for rural families and businesses,” he said.
The EOCC will add 235 beds to Ontario’s correctional system and include state-of-the-art security features, as well as space for inmate programming.
Steve Clark, MPP for Leeds-Grenville-Thousand Islands and Rideau Lakes, said the investment would benefit both the local economy and public safety. “Our government remains a strong partner for municipalities in rural and Eastern Ontario,” he said. “We’re working together to grow the economy and keep communities safe.”
Mayor Nancy Peckford welcomed the provincial investment, noting that the wastewater plant expansion is crucial for North Grenville’s future growth. “This financial support helps ensure that we can meet the needs of our rapidly growing population while protecting our environment and maintaining a high quality of life,” she said.
The expansion is part of the province’s broader plan to modernize correctional facilities across Ontario. In addition to the Kemptville complex, new jails will be built in Brockville, and the St. Lawrence Valley Correctional and Treatment Centre will be expanded to include a women’s treatment unit.
The expanded wastewater plant will be designed to handle a daily water flow rate of 250 cubic metres, supporting the EOCC and the surrounding community.
