Village Of Cumberland Looking To Complete Upgrades To Wastewater Infrastructure

The Village of Cumberland is seeking approval from electors to borrow additional funds to complete critical upgrades to the community’s wastewater infrastructure.

The Wastewater Upgrades Project – required to meet provincial treatment standards and avoid future fines – has been underway since 2021.

Recently, it’s been hit by a series of factors impacting the budget, including increased materials costs, unexpected site conditions, and partial re-design to address climate resiliency.

As a result, the Village says the cost of Phase 1 for the project has increased to an estimated $16.7 million, from the previously approved $14.5 million.

It is looking to borrow $2.5 million to cover the increased cost and include a buffer in case of further increases. Elector approval is required to borrow these funds, so the Village is holding an alternate approval process.

Mayor Vickey Brown says the Village could face significant fines in the future if they don’t fix things now, saying there really isn’t another option.

The proposed $2.5 million loan would result in an increase of $113/year to the proposed wastewater parcel tax that will start in 2026.

This is in addition to the borrowing previously approved in 2018 for an estimated parcel tax of $199/year.

Cumberland residents will have until June 11th to respond to the request.

For details, visit Village of Cumberland.