From the Beehive E125 - Woodworth Pumping Station Upgrade: How St. Thomas Is Expanding Wastewater Capacity for Future Growth

Welcome back to another infrastructure update from St. Thomas Economic Development!


🚧In this episode, Mike chats with Patrick Anckaert about the future of the Woodworth Pumping Station—a vital piece of the city’s wastewater system that has served the community for more than 50 years.


Built in the early 1970s, the existing station was originally introduced when Highway 3 cut through gravity sewer flows. Now, with the general population's growth paired with development underway at Yarmouth Yards, we’re preparing for a modern, more powerful, and more flexible pumping station to support the city’s expanding needs and technological improvements that will enhance functionality and make the city a better neighbour.


Here’s what the new station—planned to begin construction in spring 2026 and wrap up in 2028—will bring to St. Thomas:


✅Significantly increased capacity to future-proof for population and economic growth.
✅Three force mains for improved operational flexibility: The new system will be able to direct flows to the Pollution Control Plant on Sunset or the Dalewood station, which is under development.
✅Built-in screenings: A major upgrade to protect sewer infrastructure by capturing debris—like those “non-flushable” flushable wipes. (Please don't flush them, though.)
✅ Odour control system: A first for this station, helping improve conditions for nearby neighbourhoods.
✅Natural gas backup generator: Ensuring the station can continue operating even during power outages.


Big thanks to our partners—Hydro One / Entegrus, MTO, and consulting engineers JLR—for their expertise and collaboration as we move through design and into construction. This upgrade is all about future-proofing: building today for the St. Thomas of tomorrow.

See you next week! 👋