Reserve to cover near $460k difference in sewage UV system replacement cost

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Posted August 31, 2026

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The cost to replace an obsolete ultraviolet disinfection system at the Alliston Wastewater Treatment Plant, requires an additional $460,559 to cover the over budget successful bid.

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The Town budgeted $667,084 for the project, but the successful bidder submitted a pre-tax price of $963,600. Including 1.76 per cent non-recoverable HST, the cost is $980,559, plus a 15-per-cent contingency. The additional funding will come from the Wastewater Asset Replacement Reserve, which has about $4.6 million available.

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The more than 30-year-old UV system disinfects treated wastewater before it is discharged into the Boyne River. The equipment has exceeded its service life, and replacement parts are no longer available from manufacturers or vendors, according to a report to council.

 

Town maintenance staff have been fabricating parts and carrying out repairs to keep it operating.

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Staff warn that deferring the replacement increases the risk of equipment failure and non-compliance with provincial wastewater discharge requirements. The town previously sought additional funding for the project in July 2025, but tendered prices have since risen.

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The alternative is to install a temporary UV system and pumps while the existing equipment is replaced. Staff say that option would cost more and could interfere with another wastewater treatment project scheduled to begin this fall.