On this page
We’re updating the Wastewater Treatment and Biosolids Management Master Plan to ensure the City’s wastewater (everything flushed down your sinks, drains, and toilets) is managed in a way that is sustainable, protects our local waterways and environment and has capacity to handle Guelph’s growing population.
How you can have your say
Your feedback is an important part of the master planning process. How we manage wastewater impacts you, the Speed River and our environment. Here’s how you can have your say:
- Stay up to date and let us know what you think. You can read about our progress and find opportunities to have your say by bookmarking this page.
- Join our mailing list. Send us your name and let us know how you’d like to be contacted (e.g. email or post mail) and we’ll keep you informed.
- Follow the conversation on Twitter and Facebook #MasterPlanning.
- Visit haveyoursay.guelph.ca to share your input.
Background
The Master Plan is a look at how the City is currently managing and treating wastewater at the wastewater treatment plant and guides how we will continue to meet the demands of our growing community now until 2051. The Master Plan will consider:
- Advances in treatment technologies.
- Changes in infrastructure needs and legislation.
- Sustainable and cost efficient wastewater treatment concepts that mitigate climate change and contribute to reaching the City’s goal of using 100 percent renewable energy sources by 2050.
- The impact Guelph’s growing population has on the wastewater treatment process and the Speed River’s capacity.
- How it will contribute to achieving the strategic priorities set out through the City’s Strategic Plan.
The process
After the Master Plan is updated, reviewed by the Guelph community and approved by Council—we’ll have identified constraints and opportunities related to our existing wastewater treatment facility. We’ll also have recommendations and prioritized projects for advancing the wastewater treatment processes and an associated budget.
The Master Plan will be carried out according to the Municipal Engineers Association Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (2015, as amended), which is an approved Class of Environmental Assessment under the Environmental Assessment Act. Results from this Master Plan will be documented in an environmental assessment that will be made available for public review. At that time, residents, businesses, Indigenous communities and other interested persons or groups will be informed of when and where the environmental assessment can be reviewed.
The City’s Wastewater Services Team
Resources
2006 Wastewater Biosolids Management Master Plan2009 Wastewater Treatment Master Plan
Wastewater Treatment and Biosolids Management Master Plan Oct 28, 2020 open house boards
Wastewater Treatment and Biosolids Management Master Plan May 12, 2021 virtual open house boards
2023 Class Environmental Assessment Report
Appendix A – Technical Information
Appendix B – Community Engagement
Appendix C – First Nations Engagement
For more information
To provide your comments, request additional information, be added to the project mailing list, or if you require information to be provided in an alternative format as per the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (2005), please contact:
Tim Robertson, Division Manager
Wastewater Services, Environmental Services
519-822-1260 extension 2964
[email protected]
Jillian Schmitter, Project Manager
Jacobs Engineering
[email protected]