Phase 2 Ingonish Wastewater Treatment System Project
For more than 35 years, the need for improved wastewater infrastructure in Ingonish has been a topic of discussion. In 2023, Victoria County Council identified water and wastewater in Ingonish as a strategic priority and in 2024, approved a wastewater treatment system project in the Capital Budget. This project aims to enable community growth while delivering key environmental and economic benefits, including increased housing opportunities.
Budget
The overall project budget is approximately $15 million and Phase 1 cost $3.5 million. Cost estimates are being worked on for Phase 2.
Funding
The province provided $7.3 million in 2024 and $1.9 million in 2025 in funding for this project.
Options Under Consideration
OPTIONS | ESTIMATED CONSTRUCTION COST | CONSIDERATIONS |
1. Existing south-side site; pipes routed north on land along the Cabot Trail | $20,266,389
| Not recommended: Low flows and low-grade could allow wastewater to stagnate and create odour and sepsis concerns. |
2. Existing south-side site; pipes routed under the harbour to the north side | $20,675,600
| Low likelihood of community support. |
3. New wastewater treatment facility on the north side of the harbour | $18,408,288
| Recommended to Council. Requires land agreements for the piping, plant and outfall. |
Other proposed components: five lift stations, approximately 82 easements, routes mainly within existing roadways (Cabot Trail, public and private lanes), and gravity sewer where feasible; some areas may require pumps.
Property Owner Costs
Other costs to consider are the cost to connect a property to the municipal mainline, a one-time connection fee and ongoing user rates.
Connection to the municipal mainline: Costs vary by property based on the required connection length, surface obstacles, soil conditions, and other site-specific factors. Estimated cost: $150 –$250 per foot. It is the responsibility of the landowner to arrange connections that follow municipal standards for connection.
Connection Fees: One-time fee payable when the property connects.
Customer Type | Description | Standard Fee | Early-Connection Incentive |
Residential (per unit) | A single-unit dwelling, apartment, condominium, or other residential premises. | $2,500 | $1,000 |
Industrial, Commercial, or Institutional | Restaurants, lodges, hotels, retail businesses, and institutional facilities. | $3,500 | $1,500 |
User rates: More connections generally mean a lower cost per household; fewer mean a higher cost. Survey results will help the Municipality estimate connections and develop a more accurate rate range.