Portsmouth Redirect Project
We’re excited to share that we’re resuming work on a key infrastructure project aimed at improving Kingston’s water and wastewater systems. The Portsmouth Pumping Station Flow Direction and Front Road Watermain Interconnect project is a key part of our plan to enhance Kingston’s infrastructure, making it more efficient and reliable, while also helping reduce energy use in the long run.
Learn more about the project
We’re hosting a public information session on Wednesday, November 27, from 6:30 to 8 p.m. at the Invista Centre. This is your chance to ask questions, learn more about the project, and find out how it will benefit our community.
Why it matters
This project is a key part of our plan to improve Kingston’s water and wastewater systems. Right now, sewage from the Portsmouth Sewage Pumping Station travels about 12 kilometres east to the Ravensview Wastewater Treatment Facility. The new plan will redirect the flow to the Cataraqui Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant, which is much closer, offering several key benefits:
- Enhanced efficiency: By shortening the distance sewage needs to travel by over eight kilometres, we’re boosting the overall efficiency of the system. This makes it faster and more reliable.
- Energy savings: The project will reduce the number of pumping stages from three to one, which means significant energy savings and a smaller environmental footprint.
- Increased capacity: By freeing up space in the Central Kingston combined sewer catchment, this project supports urban development and helps reduce the risk of combined sewer overflows during heavy rains.
Additionally, the Front Road Watermain Interconnection will link the Point Pleasant Water Treatment Plant to the central water system, improving flexibility and overall system performance, and ensuring we can continue meeting the city’s needs as Kingston grows.
Traffic impacts
Construction may cause some delays along Front Road and King Street West, from Sand Bay Lane to Country Club Drive. We recommend planning extra travel time, using alternate routes when possible, and following posted signs to stay safe.
What’s next
The project will be completed in phases over the next few years, with work taking place along King Street West, Union Street, and Kennedy Street, along with the rebuild of the Portsmouth Pumping Station. We’re coordinating the work with the City of Kingston’s pathway and intersection redesign projects to reduce disruptions.