NEWS RELEASE TOWN OF ERIN
Erin, ON – Credit Valley Conservation (CVC) has granted approval to the Town of Erin to construct a gravity trunk sewer and watermain beneath the Elora Cataract Trailway (ECT).
This vital infrastructure will improve the water distribution system and connect Hillsburgh to the new wastewater treatment facility currently under construction.
The selected ECT route was approved by the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks following a thorough review as part of the project’s Environmental Assessment. Recently, CVC also granted the Town a permanent easement along the trail, enabling the project to move forward.
“I want to thank everyone involved in this process, as well as the trail users for their patience,” said Mayor Michael Dehn. “There is still a lot of work ahead, but now we can begin construction knowing that everyone is working together to complete the project as efficiently as possible.”
The mayor added the railway infrastructure that the Elora Cataract Trail was built on dates back to the 1870s, and engineering drawings for the original culverts and bridges no longer exist.
“The Town of Erin’s staff and consultants had to map historical data and engineer modern water crossings to allow the deep water and wastewater infrastructure to be installed. This planning has been a time-consuming effort for Town of Erin staff and consultants, as well as Credit Valley Conservation staff,” said the mayor.
To minimize site disruption, both the watermain and gravity sewer will be installed within a single trench. The project will also involve the replacement of approximately 26 aging water management culverts that currently run beneath the ECT.
“All work has been carefully planned to ensure it meets environmental protection standards while also addressing the Town’s long-term infrastructure needs,” said Brian Kavanagh, the Town’s Director of Infrastructure. “This project reflects our commitment to delivering resilient, sustainable infrastructure in a responsible and forward-thinking manner.”
All work will be conducted in accordance with CVC’s terms and conditions, ensuring lasting environmental, community, and recreational benefits for residents.
Once the sewer installation is complete, the trail surface will be restored to an improved condition. Additionally, for every tree removed, approximately four new trees will be planted — totaling around 20,000 new trees that will be reintroduced along the trail and other areas throughout the Town.
To facilitate construction, the section of the trail between Trafalgar Road and Main Street/Wellington Road 124 will be closed until late 2026.
