A housing developer in Ontario is facing a major obstacle in building a 900-home development due to a lack of municipal sewer capacity. The project has been in the works for over five years and has survived planning hurdles and rezoning battles. However, the biggest challenge is the inability to connect the homes to a reliable water and sewer system.
The developer is now partnering with a startup to finance, operate, and own the subdivision's communal wastewater system. This move could allow construction to begin within two years, bypassing the need for the municipality to expand its wastewater infrastructure. The cost of traditional centralized systems is becoming increasingly expensive, with a $1.94-billion project in the York region highlighting the financial burden on municipalities.
This issue is not unique to Ontario, and Calgary home buyers and sellers should be aware of the potential implications. As the city continues to grow, the demand for housing will put a strain on the existing water and wastewater infrastructure. This could lead to delays in construction and increased costs for developers, which may be passed on to buyers.
Sources: Financial Post