Big drilling rigs on Lake Ontario near Mississauga and Toronto almost done their work

The large platform structures out on Lake Ontario just off Mississauga’s waterfront have nearly completed their job.

That’s the latest word from Peel Region, which has been using the curious-looking drilling rigs, which operate on barges, to collect soil and rock samples “from deep below the lakebed.”

The major task began last summer and is expected to conclude sometime in August, the region said in an update on Friday.

The barges and drilling rigs have drawn much interest from the public since mid-2025, Peel officials have said, noting many people looking out onto the lake have wanted to know what, exactly, they’re seeing.

The region explained the scientific drilling platforms and the crews on board are gathering soil and rock samples for testing and analysis. Workers are transported daily by boat on and off the barges.

Peel officials assure the public the ongoing work isn’t negatively impacting water quality.

The objective, according to the region, is to do work that “maintains and improves Peel’s world-class water systems, allowing us to provide reliable wastewater services to support a thriving community for life.”

To prepare for the city and Peel’s continued population growth, in particular the Lakeview Village development in Mississauga’s southeast corner, “several upgrades are being made to the G.E. Booth Water Resource Recovery Facility” located in the area near Dixie Road, officials said earlier.

“One of the planned upgrades is a new outfall pipe that will stretch three kilometres into the lake,” the region said, adding an outfall pipe will return clean treated water from the G.E. Booth facility back into Lake Ontario.

The region further noted that an important part of providing water and wastewater services to the community is Peel’s water resource recovery facilities.

“These facilities ensure wastewater is cleaned and treated before it’s returned to Lake Ontario,” officials said earlier.

A barge/rig collects rock and soil samples from Lake Ontario in Mississauga. That’s the G.E. Booth Water Resource Recovery Facility at upper left.

Peel Region’s ongoing project on Lake Ontario includes drilling and sampling at a total of 24 onshore and offshore locations. The work is necessary to determine ground conditions along the proposed three-kilometre outfall pipe and help staff safely develop the pipe design, Peel officials noted.

The region’s rigs also garnered some attention last August in both Mississauga and Toronto, prompting curious residents to ask about the floating structures.

(All photos: Peel Public Works X)

Ever spotted this giant platform in the middle of Lake Ontario and wondered what's it doing there? 🤔🚧

Check out what's been going on while they've been out there! 🌊 pic.twitter.com/C8a1H6hqUb

— Peel Region (@regionofpeel) July 24, 2026