Photo by B. Shakyaver
The Bayfield Wastewater Treatment Plant has been running at full capacity, which has made it difficult for new development projects to move forward in the area. The Municipality of Bluewater is now working on expanding the plant. The project is expected to be finished by the summer of 2026, depending on weather and construction progress.
The Municipality is also creating a Servicing Allocation Policy. This policy will help manage how the expanded wastewater capacity is shared. Once the plant expansion and policy are in place, new development in Bayfield will be possible again.
Because of this upcoming increase in capacity, Bluewater Council has agreed to let planning staff start accepting new development applications. Applications will be accepted starting January 5th, 2026. The plant is not expected to be fully running until June 2026, but accepting applications early will give applicants time to complete studies, submit paperwork, and go through the required review process under the Planning Act.
Anyone with questions can contact the Bluewater Municipal Office at 14 Mill Ave. in Zurich.
