Canada’s federal government and the City of Sarnia, Ontario, are investing over CAD 29.5 million (more than USD 20 million) in the Cromwell Area Sewer Separation and Flood Mitigation Project, a major infrastructure initiative aimed at reducing basement flooding and sewer overflows caused by increasingly severe storms. This upgrade will replace combined sewers with separate storm and sanitary systems, enhance wastewater collection, replace the water main, and fully repave sidewalks and roads—strengthening community resilience and minimizing economic losses from future flooding.
Announced by the Honourable Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities, alongside Sarnia Mayor Mike Bradley, the project will receive nearly CAD 12 million from the federal government through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF), with the City of Sarnia contributing close to CAD 18 million. Minister Erskine-Smith emphasized the initiative’s broader significance, stating, “Investing in infrastructure like Sarnia’s sewer upgrade isn’t just about fixing pipes—it’s about protecting homes, strengthening communities, and ensuring we’re ready for future challenges.”
David Jackson, Engineering and Operations General Manager for the City of Sarnia, highlighted the project’s role in climate resilience and urban development. “Support for combined sewer separation is crucial for building a more resilient wastewater system that mitigates the effects of extreme weather events, such as basement flooding. These projects are key to our Climate Action Plan, reducing flood risks while expanding sanitary sewer capacity for future growth.”
Since 2018, the federal government has committed over CAD 3.8 billion to the DMAF, supporting more than 80 infrastructure projects aimed at strengthening communities against natural disasters. Research indicates that every dollar spent on climate adaptation yields CAD 13 to CAD 15 in benefits, making initiatives like the Cromwell Area Sewer Separation and Flood Mitigation Project vital for long-term economic and environmental sustainability. By modernizing its wastewater infrastructure, Sarnia is taking a proactive step toward a safer, more resilient future.