Last Friday, the Town of Aylmer commissioned what was referred to as ‘a quiet hero.’
The infrastructure in question is a glistening white water tower located in Aylmer’s new business development area, AIM Park.
The structure will support community growth, improve fire protection and ensure long-term water security for residents and regional service partners.
It replaces a water standpipe built in the mid-1980s, which required substantial refurbishing to remain operational.
The contractor was Landmark Structures, whose Canadian operations are based out of Burlington, Ont.
At a ribbon-cutting ceremony inside the facility, Aylmer Mayor Jack Couckuyt stressed the tower is more than just a structure.
He continued, the water tower “Is a symbol of our commitment to sustainability, safety and smart planning for the future.”
The capacity of the structure is about 7.6 million litres of water.
He outlined the area to be serviced by the new tower.
Elgin-St. Thomas-London South MP Andrew Lawton observed, “It’s a good symbol for the Town of Aylmer and the spirit, and a sign that the council and the community and the staff are prepared for growth, which is important because oftentimes people talk about wanting it but aren’t able or eager to put in the work.”
Elgin-Middlesex-London MPP Rob Flack pointed out, “This new water tower is a critical investment in the community’s future, providing reliable water supply, improved fire protection, and the capacity needed to support growth across the area.”
Through the Investing in Canada Infrastructure Program’s Green Infrastructure stream, the town received $2 million from the federal government and about $1.6 million from the province.
Written by Ian McCallum
