Ottawa·Video

Ground under some Lowertown homes to be expropriated for sewage tunnel

Some Lowertown residents are receiving notices that the ground 10 metres underneath their homes is about to be expropriated as the city prepares to dig a large sewage storage tunnel underground to improve storm water management and protect the Ottawa River.

City prepares for storm sewer tunneling

9 years ago
Duration 2:44
The city is preparing to dig a massive sewage storage tunnel to improve storm water management and protect the health of the Ottawa River. Some residents of Lowertown are receiving notices that the ground beneath them is about to be expropriated.

Some Lowertown residents are receiving notices that the ground 10 metres underneath their homes is about to be expropriated as the city prepares to dig a large sewage storage tunnel underground to improve storm water management and protect the Ottawa River.

The tunnel is a key component of the Ottawa River action plan, which is aimed at reducing sewage contamination.

It will stretch from LeBreton Flats to New Edinburgh Park. Another tunnel will run north-south along Kent Street. They will cost between $130 million and $150 million, split between the province and city.

During heavy rainfall the tunnels will hold up to 43,000 cubic meters of sewage and water; enough to fill an Olympic pool about 18 times.