RFP Awarded to AECOM and Ainley & Associates for Water Treatment Plant Expansion
Collingwood, ON [6 July 2021] – The partnership of AECOM and Ainley & Associates Limited has been selected by the Town of Collingwood following a competitive bid process to undertake the design and contract administration of the expansion of the Raymond A. Barker Water Treatment Plant (WTP). This team has worked together since 2005 on multiple projects, including the recent Class Environmental Assessment (EA) and Conceptual Design for the Plant expansion. They have a historical working relationship with the Town and stakeholders on this project and the Town is confident in the combination of AECOM and Ainley’s technical expertise.
Addressing our drinking water capacity challenges is one of our highest Town priorities and the project team is focusing on the following key project considerations:
A fast-track solution to achieve additional water treatment capacity as soon as possible, and prior to completion of the full expansion.
Expansion of the Raymond A. Barker WTP capacity (and rehabilitation of aged infrastructure) meeting the requirements of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) and Nottawasaga Valley Conservation Authority (NVCA) and in line with Collingwood’s Municipal Class (EA) approval and Master Servicing Plan, to facilitate growth of the Town of Collingwood and other neighbouring municipalities who depend on water from Collingwood.
A building and shoreline design that the Town can showcase for locals and visitors to enjoy, that neighboring residents find aesthetically pleasing, and one that integrates into the surrounding area. Special consideration will be given to line-of-sight preservation, noise and air quality control, representation of First Nations, water education, and the potential impacts on climate change.
A constructible design and an effective Shoreline and Erosion Sediment Control Plan that protects and enhances the shoreline and Nottawasaga Bay, and that is within the project capital budget.
The team is committed to an open dialogue with stakeholders, including residents of the Town of Collingwood, the Towns of New Tecumseth and The Blue Mountains, the Township of Clearview, Saugeen Ojibway Nation (SON), EPCOR, environmental advocates such as the Blue Mountain Watershed Trust, and the Ministry of Heritage, Sport, Tourism and Culture.
About AECOM
AECOM is a global infrastructure consulting firm, delivering professional services throughout the project lifecycle – from planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. On projects spanning water/wastewater, transportation, buildings, new energy and the environment, their public and private sector clients trust them to solve their most complex challenges. Their teams are driven by a common purpose to deliver a better world through their unrivaled technical expertise and innovation, a culture of equity, diversity and inclusion, and a commitment to environmental, social and governance priorities. AECOM brings over 100 years of creative project delivery experience in Ontario municipalities and are leaders in the membrane and ultraviolet (UV) water treatment markets in Ontario. Backed by the knowledge and resources of more than 47,000 employees around the world, including over 1,400 staff within Ontario, their experts understand the importance of delivering cost effective, sustainable solutions, while abiding with local regulations.
About Ainley & Associates Limited (Ainley)
Ainley is a privately-owned engineering consulting and planning firm, founded in 1961 in Collingwood with their head office located within minutes of the Plant. Ainley designed the original Plant in 1998 and have a clear understanding of the many local stakeholders in this project, as well as a personal investment in the Town’s growth. The Ainley Group has approximately 140 professional and technical personnel with expertise in all municipal engineering disciplines, including water and wastewater, transportation, and water resources.
For more information, contact:
Peggy Slama
Director, Public Works, Engineering, and Environmental Services
Town of Collingwood
705-445-1292 ext. 4201
pslama@collingwood.ca
Christa Carter
Manager, Public Relations & Communications
Town of Collingwood
705-445-1030 Ext. 3274
ccarter@collingwood.ca