Niagara Region has initiated the Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Plan Study to identify a long-term water and wastewater servicing strategy to support growth in the Region.
Niagara Region currently provides trunk level water distribution and wastewater collection and treatment services to the municipalities of Grimsby, West Lincoln, Lincoln, St. Catharines, Thorold, Welland, Pelham, Port Colborne, Niagara-on-the-Lake, Niagara Falls, and Fort Erie. Separate studies are underway to consider Regional water and wastewater services in the Township of Wainfleet.
The Region's current Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Plan was updated in 2003. Since that time, significant provincial policies and regulations have been implemented requiring the Region to update its planning and servicing vision. The short and long term growth plan for Niagara Region was established in the Growth Management Strategy in 2008. The purpose of this Study is to address the Region's water and wastewater servicing needs to the year 2031.
The Study follows the approved master planning process as outlined in Section A.2.7 (Approach #1 in Appendix 4) of the Municipal Engineer's Association (MEA) Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (October 2000, as amended in 2007). The Class EA process includes public and review agency consultation, an evaluation of alternatives, an assessment of the potential environmental effects of the proposed improvements, and identification of reasonable measures to mitigate any adverse impacts that may result. The Master Servicing Plan will become the basis for future investigations of specific Schedule B and C projects that are proposed within.
A key component of the Master Plan involves consultation with interested stakeholders including the public, special interest groups and regulatory agencies. The study work plan provides for two rounds of Public Information Centers (PICs). The first PIC was held on April 29, 2010 to introduce the study, and receive public input to assist with the development of alternative servicing strategies. The review has resulted in the selection of preliminary preferred water and wastewater servicing alternatives.
These preliminary preferred alternatives will be presented during the second round of PICs at the following locations:
For Niagara Falls, Fort Erie, Queenston and St. David's
For West Lincoln, Grimsby, Lincoln, St. Catharines, Thorold and Niagara-on-the-Lake (Not incl Queenston or St. David's)
For Welland, Pelham and Port Colborne
The PIC will be a drop-in format and provide residents/interested parties with an opportunity to review and comment on the preliminary preferred alternatives. Representatives from the Region and its consultants will be present at the PICs to answer questions and discuss the next steps in the study.
You are encouraged to attend the PIC and provide your comments regarding the preliminary preferred servicing alternatives as they will be considered in finalizing the recommended water and wastewater servicing strategy. Comments and information regarding this study are being collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act and to assist the project team in meeting the requirements of the Class EA process. With the exception of personal information, all comments will become part of the public record.
Please contact either one of the following project team members if you have any questions or comments related to the study, wish to obtain more information on the study or wish to be added to the study mailing list:
Mr. Graeme Guthrie, C.E.T.
Project Manager, Niagara Region, Water and Wastewater Engineering
3501 Schmon Parkway, P.O. Box 1042
Thorold, Ontario L2V 4T7
Telephone: 905-685-4225 ext. 3766
Fax: 905-685-5205
Email
Mr. Chris Hamel, P. Eng
Project Manager, AECOM
105 Commerce Valley Drive
Markham, Ontario L3T 7W3
Telephone: 905-747-7562
Fax: 905-886-9494
Email: chris.hamel@aecom.com
Additional information related to the study and consultation process may be obtained through the study website.
If you require any accommodations for a disability in order to attend and participate in any of the above noted meetings, please contact the Accessibility Advisory Coordinator.