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Ontario’s Environment Commissioner is giving the City of Ottawa’s plan to fix sewage overflows into the Ottawa River a passing grade.
After spending two days meeting with Councillors and City Staff, Gord Miller says the city’s plan looks good on paper.
But Miller says it will cost $400 million to reduce sewage overflows into the historic waterway.
Miller told reporters the responsibility of a cleaner river now lies with elected officials, adding “the risk here is always that you don’t follow through.”
The city’s plan includes Real Time Controls on sewer regulators, proposed storage tanks and the possibility of separating some of the sewer systems around Ottawa.
Chair of the Planning and Environment Committee and Councillor Peter Hume says the $400 million price-tag is higher than the $225 million budgeted for.
Hume warns an increase in water rates may be one option to cover the bill.
The city has said installing Real Time Controls will reduce sewage overflows by 65 per cent by next summer.