$2.2 Million Investment to Improve Water Quality and Reduce Potable Water Usage in Ontario

Strategic Insights -

The Canadian government and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) are investing in community initiatives that cut pollution and support efficient local infrastructure. As part of this effort, a $2.2 million investment has been announced through the FCM's Green Municipal Fund (GMF) to help improve water quality and reduce potable water usage in two communities in Ontario. The Municipality of South Bruce will receive up to $1,725,000 in loan and grant funding to upgrade its Teeswater Wastewater Treatment Plant, while the Ontario Water Centre in collaboration with the Town of Georgina will receive $475,000 to conduct a field test combining water harvested from stormwater run-off and organic waste to replace potable water usage in a near-urban agricultural community.

Key Takeaways:

  • The Municipality of South Bruce will receive up to $1,725,000 in loan and grant funding to upgrade its Teeswater Wastewater Treatment Plant, addressing effluent quality issues and meeting the objectives of the Great Lakes Water Quality Agreement.
  • The Ontario Water Centre in collaboration with the Town of Georgina will conduct a field test combining water harvested from stormwater run-off and organic waste to replace 1.08 million litres of potable water for agricultural irrigation.
  • Clearwater Farm will be connected to municipal water and sewer services, eliminating an existing septic tank.
  • The Government of Canada is investing in community initiatives that cut pollution and support efficient local infrastructure through the FCM's Green Municipal Fund (GMF).
  • The Green Municipal Fund helps local governments switch to sustainable practices faster, giving municipalities the tools they need to build resiliency and reduce greenhouse gas emissions.
  • The Honourable Jonathan Wilkinson, Minister of Natural Resources, stated that the Government of Canada is pleased to be supporting innovative and important projects that ensure Ontarians have access to clean water.
  • Joanne Vanderheyden, FCM Past President, emphasized the importance of local governments in achieving Canada's climate goals and the role of the Green Municipal Fund in supporting municipalities in their sustainability efforts.

Statistics:

  • The $2.2 million investment will help improve water quality and reduce potable water usage in two communities in Ontario.
  • The Municipality of South Bruce's Teeswater Wastewater Treatment Plant upgrade will cost up to $1,725,000.
  • 1.08 million litres of potable water will be replaced by a combination of water-harvesting and extraction of water from clean organic food waste.
  • The Ontario Water Centre in collaboration with the Town of Georgina's field test will involve $475,000 in funding.
  • 60% of Canada's infrastructure is owned by local governments.

Sources:

  • Natural Resources Canada
  • Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM)
  • Ontario Water Centre
  • Town of Georgina
  • Municipality of South Bruce