Update #1 Trunk sewer break at Lord Elgin Park and water use restrictions in the Town of Ajax

Whitby, Ontario – The Regional Municipality of Durham, Works Department would like to advise residents and businesses that trunk sanitary sewer repairs are ongoing in Lord Elgin Park. The damage is extensive and the entire length of trunk sanitary sewer in the park must be replaced. Specialized equipment is diverting sewage on site, while staff secures the necessary materials for a replacement of this size. The timeline for completion of the repairs is unknown at this time, but is estimated to be several weeks.

“The trunk sanitary sewer break occurred in Lord Elgin Park late in the day on May 1,” explained Susan Siopis, Commissioner of Works. “We want residents to be aware that this is not going to be a quick or easy repair. The Region would like to thank local residents for their patience during this repair, as well as businesses and residents in Ajax for their assistance with water restrictions.”

All municipal water supply users east of Harwood Avenue and north of Highway 401 within the Town of Ajax are advised that mandatory water restrictions will continue for a few more days due to the anticipated heavy rain fall. The sanitary sewer system in Lord Elgin Park collects this sewage from the northeast and delivers it to the Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant for treatment. Conserving water use in this area will help to reduce the flow into the sanitary sewer system—reducing further backup and mitigating any environmental impact. The Region will advise when regular water usage is permitted.

Lord Elgin Park remains closed to the public. An exact timeline for the closure is not known at this time, it may be several weeks. All access points to Lord Elgin Park have been restricted with fencing.

The Region apologizes for the inconvenience that some of our customers may experience. Durham Region is committed to protecting the environment. For more information about Durham Region’s sanitary sewer system, call the Region of Durham Works Department, Technical Support Division at 905-668-7711. Residents are encouraged to visit the Region’s website or social media sites to monitor the situation.

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