The cost of the Alexandria Lagoon project has jumped by nearly $1 million following North Glengarry council’s approval of updated designs from EVB Engineering on Monday, May 12. The revised $1.8 million contract—up 110 per cent from the original estimate—reflects regulatory updates, improved designs, and rising material and labour costs.
The Township of North Glengarry first entered an agreement with EVB Engineering in 2017 for initial project designs. However, updated government regulations—including changes to the Ontario Water Resources Act, Environmental Protection Act, and Environmental Assessment—as well as advancements in technology and rising costs, have required a re-evaluation of the proposed lagoon designs.
Staff noted that newer technologies may reduce costs while still meeting regulatory requirements. Staff said the $1,823,202 contract (plus HST) includes a comprehensive review of the 2017 designs, a new water budget analysis for Mill Pond, updated hydraulic profiling, and integration of cost-efficient measures.
The original 2022 contract projected $867,868 plus HST for contract administration costs. The updated contract marks a 110.1 per cent increase, or an additional $955,334.
Deputy Mayor Carma Williams said, “It’s a lot of money. We’ve already spent about $867,000 with no shovels in the ground.” She asked staff to clarify the reasons behind the increased costs.
Staff said that the funds will support design optimization, updates to environmental approvals, and a more comprehensive design plan for the project.
Additional administrative costs encompass the Alexandria pumping station expansion, enlarging the water catchment area for the water treatment system, and ensuring all components of the system are ready for development.
Mayor Jamie MacDonald asked staff when the tender process would begin and was informed that it would begin in January 2026.
Council approved the updated designs and costs unanimously, with no further questions.
