Phase 1 of the multi-million dollar repairs to Collingwood's crumbling sewer system will take place in various parts of the community this year.

Although the total cost for the sewer repairs over the next three years is just over $11.2 million, the first contract is for $3.5 million.

"Our sewers are very old," said Ed Houghton executive director of COLLUS. "The large bulk of downtown Collingwood is 100 years old."

The work stems from the sanitary sewers needs study completed in 2004, which identified a significant portion of Collingwood's existing sewers are in dire need of repair and replacement. Over a two-year period, 54 kilometres of sewer lines in the municipality were inspected by cameras and 933 manholes checked individually.

It was found more than 10 per cent of the sewers in Collingwood are 80 years old and most have severe defects and have to be completely replaced. The report also noted some of the sewers can be relined, however, there will be future collapsing because of the large cracks where tree roots have grown through. Most of the work is taking place throughout the main area of town where the businesses and a large portion of the population is situated.

"At the same time, what we will be doing is replacing the majority of the asphalt in those areas," said Houghton. "We believe unless we get this done there could be a collapse."

The work will also include drainage, watermains and road repairs, as well it will be co-ordinated with the First Street project, and take place along Beech, Birch, Minnesota, Ninth and Sixth streets this year.

When completed, it will reduce ground water infiltration and drainage inputs, increase the long-term capacity of the sewage treatment plant and eliminate basement flooding.