Ingonish Wastewater Treatment System

Posted on:
April 15, 2026

Project Update: April 2026

Construction is progressing on Phase 1 of the Ingonish Wastewater Treatment System, while preliminary planning and design work is underway for Phase 2. In February, the Province announced $1.9 million in funding through the Growth and Renewal for Infrastructure Development Program, which supports municipalities in expanding critical infrastructure and services. The following provides an update on the current status of both phases of the project. 

Phase 1 – Commissioning and Permitting 

The first phase of the Ingonish Wastewater Treatment System is nearing completion. Commissioning of the system is anticipated during the week of April 20. Following commissioning, final documentation will be prepared and submitted to Nova Scotia Environment and Climate Change to obtain the required permit to operate.  

Phase 2 – Preliminary Design Underway 

Dillon Consulting Ltd has been engaged to lead Phase 2 of the project and recently introduced their team to Victoria County Council. They bring significant experience in local wastewater infrastructure, including projects in similar rural and coastal environments. 

The team is currently advancing the preliminary design and provided Council with an overview of the study area, existing conditions and potential system configurations. 

Preliminary System Overview 

The proposed infrastructure under consideration includes: 

• Approximately 5.7 km of gravity sewer 
• 140 manholes 
• 1.5 km of force main 
• 4 lift stations (including one on Parks Canada lands) 
• 6 low-pressure pump systems 

Considerations 

Design work is being informed by several unique local factors, including: 

• Mountainous terrain and dispersed development patterns 
• Coastal constraints 
• Karst geology, which can impact underground infrastructure 

Several potential system approaches are being explored, including routing options around or across the harbour, as well as the possibility of a second treatment facility on the north side. 

Next Steps 

No decisions have been made at this stage. The project remains in the preliminary design phase, and further analysis is required. 

Dillon Consulting will continue refining options, and along with municipal staff, will work closely with all stakeholders, including private landowners, local businesses, Parks Canada, First Nations communities, and federal and provincial partners. 

Subscribe to project updates on Engage Victoria County   

A dedicated site for this project where all information is available:   Engage Victoria County: Ingonish Wastewater Treatment and Collection System Project 

Resources  

• Engage Victoria County Website   
• Ingonish Wastewater Treatment System Projects receives Provincial approval November 24, 2025 
• November 2025 Project Update 
• Letter of support from Chief Norman Bernard, Wagmatcook First Nation  
• September 2025 Project Update  
• August 2025 Project Update