Niagara Region is constructing a new servicing tunnel underneath the Welland Canal to bring additional water and wastewater capacity to the east side of Port Colborne.
Project Location
Barber Drive, Welland Street, Killaly Street East, Barrick Road, Second Concession.
About the Project
Port Colborne's water and wastewater treatment plants exist on the west side of the Welland Canal. Currently, only one waste water pipe and two drinking water pipes cross beneath the canal to service all housing and businesses on the East side of canal. These pipes are nearing the end of their life and require replacement.
Niagara Region had identified this work in its long-term plans. The announcement of Asahi Kasei’s battery separator plant accelerated the project to meet the development’s additional water needs.
The scope of the project includes two tunnels, each approximately five feet in diameter, drilled through the bedrock beneath the canal. The tunnels will hold various watermains and sanitary mains to bring new capacity to the east side of the City.
Outside of the tunnel, these pipes then continue to several locations including:
- Barrick Road, (connecting to the water tower)
- Welland Street and Killaly Street East (to connect to the East Side Sanitary Sewer Pumping Station)
- Second Concession (to connect to the City’s new East Side Employment Lands)
Design of this project was completed in July 2025, and construction started in December 2025. The project is expected to be completed by December 2026.
Project Updates
Tunnel boring is complete, with the pipes currently being installed. Road work is 95% complete, with only road restoration (paving) remaining.
Project Team
Project lead: Niagara Region
Other project team members:
- Associated Engineering
- Rankin Construction
Project Photos
