Costs have went up for an Erin wastewater project which came as a surprise to councillors at a meeting last week.

The project’s cost has risen from $69 million to $129 million. Construction encompasses a road closure on Trafalgar Road that will result in detours and a wastewater resource recovery facility on County Road 52. The plan also has eight shafts to be installed along Main Street as part of a gravity sewer.

Council was shown a picture of what's proposed and several members were shocked.

Coun. Cathy Aylard said she has long been involved with this type of construction, but was nonetheless taken aback by the sheer magnitude of this plan.

"I've been involved in construction liaison meetings and business impact group meetings- endless hours involved in discussions," Aylard said.

"This is the first time I've seen a photo like this. This is shocking," she added.

Director of Infrastructure Services Nick Colucci explained Erin’s layout would look dissimilar from the image Aylard was referencing.

"This is not what ours will look like. Ours are mostly rectangular. This one is very narrow so there's a lot going on there. They all have a staging area away from the shaft, but generally, that's what they look like," Colucci said.

Construction is underway, but future work including the installation of multiple sewers is still to come following the securement of government funding. Due to the wait for these funds, the full timeline is unknown.

The Elora cataract trail gravity sewer will commence with the clearing of trees and underground servicing.

Council received the report from Colucci for information.

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