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.

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

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

During heavy rainfallthe tunnels will hold upto 43,000cubic meters of sewage and water;enough to fill an Olympicpool about 18times.