Category Archives: Water

Guelph, Ont., March 5, 2019 —The City of Guelph is celebrating great drinking water with a series of engaging events in March. From games at Guelph Public Libraries to entertainment and interactive displays at the annual H2O Go Festival, there’s lots to discover and good fun to be had by people of all ages. “In Guelph, we’re fortunate to have such a high-quality supply of drinking water coming from deep underground,” says Steve Yessie, Water Conservation Program Coordinator at the City. “But groundwater takes time to replenish and we all need to use it responsibly. This is why we continue to promote and celebrate wise water use in Guelph.” The City’s water efficiency strategy helps the Guelph community use less water. Since 2006, water conservation… Continue reading Guelph celebrates great water with events for all ages in March

Guelph, Ontario, February 21, 2019 – As part of the 2019 non-tax supported budget, City Council approved water, wastewater and stormwater rate increases. These increases ensure the City is able to continue providing essential services that meet the community’s expectations. The following rates come into effect on March 1, 2019. Water Description 2018 2019 Change Water volume (fee per cubic metre) $1.72 $1.72 $0.00 Water basic (fee per day) $0.26 $0.26 $0.00 Wastewater Description 2018 2019 Change Wastewater volume (fee per cubic metre) $1.84 $1.88 $0.04 Water basic (fee per day) $0.32 $0.32 $0.00 Stormwater Description 2018 2019 Change Stormwater service fee (per month) $4.60 $5.20 $0.60 For more information Water and wastewater rates guelph.ca/water 519-837-5627 Stormwater fees guelph.ca/stormwater 519-837-5604 extension 3486 2019 budget guelph.ca/budget.

Guelph, Ont., January 21, 2019 —The City has received silver level recognition from the Alliance for Water Efficiency (AWE) for its water efficiency programs. Guelph is the first Canadian municipality to achieve such recognition. “We’re thrilled to be recognized again for our water-saving programs,” says Heather Yates, the City’s supervisor for water efficiency. “The dedication of our staff and the ongoing participation of the community have helped us consistently meet, and often outdo, our water conservation and efficiency targets.” “We are pleased to recognize the City of Guelph’s innovative and successful water efficiency and conservation efforts through their addition to the AWE G480 Leaderboard,” notes Bill Christiansen, Director of Programs at AWE. Recognition on AWE’s G480 Leaderboard is based on how a municipality, or water… Continue reading Guelph first Canadian city recognized by the Alliance for Water Efficiency

Don’t be taken by surprise this winter. Take time now to prevent frozen pipes. Continue reading Protect yourself against frozen pipes this winter

The City is wrapping up planned maintenance work at the Verney water tower. Over the last seven months we: removed existing paint repainted the inside and outside of the tank upgraded safety systems, and replaced pipes and valves. BGL Contractors Corp. is currently completing the work and reinstalling fencing and gates. They will return in the spring to restore the grass cover and touch up remaining paint deficiencies. The City will be back to upgrade fencing around the water tower property in 2019, and we’ll issue a notice before we begin that work. For more information Patricia Quackenbush, Project Manager Water Services 519-822-1260 extension 2110 patricia.quackenbush@guelph.ca

Routine maintenance keeps Guelph’s sewer pipes flowing The City completes sewer main cleaning across Guelph on about a three-year rotating basis. Cleaning is done year-round, Monday to Friday between 7 a.m. and 5 p.m., and usually takes a few hours on each street. We are currently cleaning sewer mains in areas 19, 22, 24 and 25 during the month of March. What to expect Toilets, sinks and other appliances can still be used during cleaning. Air pressure in the sewer can create noise in sewer pipes, and may cause water to splash out through toilets, sinks and drains. Keeping toilet lids closed, and sink drains plugged when not in use will help avoid spills. Sewer cleaning can create short-term nuisance odors. Odors can be cleared… Continue reading Sanitary sewer cleaning

City recognized for efforts to improve wastewater quality Guelph, Ont., December 20, 2018 —The City received silver level recognition for its wastewater treatment plant from the Grand River Conservation Authority Watershed Wide Optimization Program. The recognition comes from the City’s efforts to improve the wastewater that it returns to the Speed River through multi-level treatment. “We’re honoured to receive this recognition for our ongoing efforts towards excellence in wastewater treatment,” says Tim Robertson, Division Manager, Environmental Services. “Through the dedication of our knowledgeable staff, and working with our colleagues at the Grand River Conservation Authority, we continue to fine-tune our processes to get better performance and reduce the environmental impact of Guelph’s wastewater.” Based on data from 2017, the silver recognition is proof of how… Continue reading Guelph’s Wastewater Treatment Plant earns silver level recognition from the Grand River Conservation Authority

The City is moving forward with the detail design of a water treatment facility at 37 Watson Road, across from the existing Clythe well site. Continue reading City moving forward with Clythe well upgrades

Attention: Homebuilders, architects, engineers, industrial, commercial and institutional Contractors Please be advised of the following changes to bulk water meter construction and installation requirements and restrictions for residential developments (including rental apartment buildings and cluster townhouse sites) and industrial, commercial and institutional developments. The following is offered in complement to Water Services’ May 2, 2018 “Changes to Water Metering Requirements for New Developments – effective July 1, 2018” notice. The respective terms of this notice will take precedent over contents of past notices and form policy and business requirements for all applicable building permits effective immediately; Planned servicing to such properties will be required to provide sufficient space for a single bulk water revenue meter, to measure all water fed to the entire private water… Continue reading Changes to bulk City water revenue meter installation standards

Helping more Guelphites save water and money at home Guelph, Ont., May 15, 2018—The City has updated its Blue Built Home water efficiency certification program to include retrofits in existing homes and multi-residential building units in Guelph. The original program, launched in 2011, focused on certification of new homes built to  include home fixtures and appliances designed and tested to save water and reduce utility bills. “By expanding Blue Built Home to include existing homes and multi-residential buildings more people in our community can participate in this water–saving program,” says Stephanie Cote, water conservation programs coordinator. To get a Blue Built Home certification, a homeowner must complete one of the following three actions: Install a greywater reuse system Install an all-season rainwater harvesting system Complete… Continue reading City launches updated Blue Built Home program

This notice provides supplementary information to the Building Services and Water Servicesnotice released on February 12, 2018. Continue reading Changes to water metering requirements for new developments, part 2 – effective July 1, 2018

Study objectives The City of Guelph has completed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for proposed treatment upgrades to bring the Clythe well back into service.  The City’s Water Supply Master Plan (2014) identifies the need for additional water sources to support future demand.  A study conducted in 2011 concluded that water from Clythe well can be successfully treated with existing technologies. The study area includes the area surrounding the Clythe well, bound by the City’s eastern limit, York Road, the area just west of Starwood Drive and Eastview Road (as shown in the map below).  The preferred alternative is to construct a water treatment facility at 25 Watson Road, adjacent to the existing Clythe Well and Booster Station site, and associated water main upgrades… Continue reading Notice of study completion: Schedule ‘B’ Class Environmental Assessment for Clythe Well Treatment Upgrades

Leak forgiveness and sewer credit programs start this year Guelph, Ont., March 27, 2018 – Last night, City Council approved two new credit programs for Guelph water and wastewater customers. The new programs will provide forgiveness on high water bills from unknown residential leaks, and cost relief on wastewater charges for business customers who use or evaporate water during operation or production. “These credit programs will help address grey areas in our existing billing policies and reduce customer billing concerns,” explains Wayne Galliher, division manager with Guelph’s Water Services. “Now that we have Council’s approval, Guelphites and local businesses will be able to take advantage of water leak forgiveness starting April 1, and sewer abatement credit as of July 1.” The water leak forgiveness program… Continue reading City introducing water and wastewater credit programs

Use of City’s model will provide Nestlé Waters Canada with latest science-driven data Guelph, Ont., March 7, 2018—The City of Guelph has signed an agreement to provide Nestlé Waters Canada with access to analysis from its science-based groundwater flow model through a consultant. The model was developed by the City with the Grand River Conservation Authority and Guelph-Eramosa Township and uses the best available science to determine the effects of water-taking impacts on groundwater availability. The City’s consultant will add Nestlé Waters Canada’s data into the City’s model and provide Nestlé Waters with the results from the model’s analysis. Nestlé Waters will use the results to inform their permit to take water renewal application to the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change (MOECC) expected… Continue reading City sharing groundwater modeling analysis with Nestlé Waters Canada to meet new provincial guidelines for water-taking permits

Attention: Homebuilders, architects, engineers, industrial/commercial/institutional contractors Continue reading Changes to water metering requirements for new developments – effective July 1, 2018

Update: Repair is complete. Wellington is now open. Guelph, Ont., January 13, 2018—A large water main break occurred on Wellington Street West in the eastbound lane, between Gordon Street and Edinburgh Road, across from Raymond and Holliday streets earlier this afternoon. There are no health risks as a result of the break. One eastbound lane and one westbound lane on Wellington Street in the area of the break is now closed. Crews have been on site since early this afternoon and hope to complete the repair this evening. The City will provide updates at guelph.ca and on Facebook and Twitter should anything change, or once repairs are complete. Media Contact Matthew Phillips, Supervisor of Water Supply Operations, Water Services City of Guelph 519-822-1260 extension 2152… Continue reading Update: Water main break on Wellington Street West, between Gordon and Edinburgh

As part of the 2018 budget, City Council approved a series of rate and fee increases to ensure that the City is able to continue delivering programs and services that meet the community’s expectations. Continue reading City’s 2018 rates and fees released

Options for Guelph businesses and residents Guelph, Ont., December 15, 2017 – Starting January 1, 2018, the City will offer Guelph businesses and residents credits and rebates for making changes to private property that help manage stormwater runoff. The new program includes rebates for residential properties and credits for businesses and multi-residential properties of six or more units. Residential program The residential program includes an enhanced seasonal rainwater harvesting rebate that offers a one-time rebate to residential property owners who purchase and install an approved tank to capture and manage stormwater runoff on site. Residents will be able to claim a rebate of $0.50 per litre of storage capacity for new, approved systems installed in 2018, up to a maximum of $1,000, and up to… Continue reading Stormwater credit and rebate program starts January 1

Study objectives The City of Guelph is initiating a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for proposed treatment upgrades to bring the Clythe well back into service.  The City’s Water Supply Master Plan (2014) identifies the need for additional water sources to support future demand.  A study conducted in 2011 concluded that water from the Clythe well can be successfully treated with existing technologies. The process Planning for this project is proceeding as a Schedule “B” undertaking in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process (MEA, June 2000, as amended in 2007 and 2011), prepared by the Municipal Engineers Association. The Class EA is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act and includes public and review agency consultation, an evaluation of alternatives, an… Continue reading Open house: Schedule ‘B’ Class Environmental Assessment for Clythe Well treatment upgrades

Community will vote on design to beautify Guelph landmark Guelph, Ont., September 12, 2017—The City of Guelph is holding a design competition for the repainting of the Verney water tower, scheduled for 2018. The City is inviting Guelph-based artists and designers aged 18 and over to submit preliminary designs to be included in the repainting of the water tower near Exhibition Park. “The Verney water tower is a highly visible Guelph landmark,” remarked Stacey Dunnigan, manager of Culture and Tourism. “People can see this tower from Exhibition Park which hosts many events and is a very popular park, so it will be great to have beautiful artwork that reflects our community on the tower.” The design competition will follow a two-stage process based on the… Continue reading City launches design competition for Verney water tower repainting

City of Guelph Schedule ‘B’ Class Environmental Assessment for Clythe well treatment upgrades Study objectives The City of Guelph is initiating a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) for proposed treatment upgrades to bring the Clythe well back into service. The City’s Water Supply Master Plan (2014) identifies the need for additional water sources to support future demand.  A study conducted in 2011 concluded that water from the Clythe well can be successfully treated with existing technology. The process Planning for this project is proceeding as a Schedule “B” undertaking in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process (MEA, June 2000, as amended in 2007 and 2011), prepared by the Municipal Engineers Association. The Class EA is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment… Continue reading Notice of study commencement: Clythe well treatment upgrades environmental assessment

The City has completed the consultation portion of the billing exemption study. This study is part of the City’s ongoing water and wastewater rate review. Some exemptions being explored include: high water bill forgiveness, cost relief for water volumes consumed/evaporated by customer end uses, and terms for approval and/or billing of water-only or wastewater-only customer accounts. The City completed both residential and business (Industrial, Commercial and Institutional, or ICI) consultation. Consultation included telephone surveys, focus groups and one-on-one interviews. The final reports for the consultation work are now available. Residential consultation report (conducted by Metroline) [PDF 2MB] ICI consultation report (conducted by DFA Infrastructure Internation Inc.) [PDF 2MB] Peer municipal comparators report (completed by BMA Management Consulting Inc.) [PDF 1MB]

Guelph among select municipalities to oversee and apply greater rigour to development in vulnerable source water areas Guelph, Ont., August 1, 2017 –The City of Guelph has improved its review process for sanitary sewer infrastructure projects to better protect our community’s vulnerable source water. The revised process allows the City of Guelph to complete the review process for the Ministry of the Environment and Climate Change’s (MOECC) environmental compliance approval (ECA) applications internally. The MOECC makes the decision to grant the ECAs based on the City’s review. “We’re pleased to take this work on at the local level to provide faster service to our development community,” said Peter Rider, the City’s Risk Management Official. “This also allows us to participate more directly in the oversight… Continue reading City to play greater role in protecting Guelph’s source water

Project update: July 3,1 2017 Construction is now underway for treatment upgrades happening at Burke well. Work will continue until fall 2018. About the project Burke well is undergoing upgrades to provide treatment that will improve overall water quality and service delivery. Upgrades will also improve the reliability of the Burke well which was built in 1975. For more information Karl Cober M.A.Sc., P.Eng., Project Manager, Water Services 519-822-1260 extension 2187 Karl.Cober@guelph.ca Kelly Frensch M.Eng, P.Eng.,  Project Manager, Stantec 519-585-7341  Kelly.Frensch@stantec.com

On July 24, Guelph City Council approved staff’s recommendation of pursuing a hybrid credit program that provides options for both businesses and homeowners. Residential program Staff proposed that residential stormwater credits be aligned with existing water efficiency rebate and incentive programs. This collaborative approach will help keep program development and administration costs low. Residential credits will be one-time rebates rather than monthly credits on the stormwater service fee. Business program For businesses and large property owners (e.g. plazas or malls), the City proposed to develop a credit program that would apply monthly credits toward stormwater service fees. Credits will continue as long as owners demonstrate that stormwater mitigation on the property continues to be effective. Multi-residential housing may fall under the business credit program since… Continue reading Stormwater service fee credit program study: July 2017 update

Provincially funded project helps City save thousands of litres of water each year Guelph, Ont., June 23, 2017—The City has won a Water’s Next award for its innovative rainwater harvesting bus wash system. The award, won in the category of Projects and Technology—Stormwater, was presented last night at a gala in Toronto. The rainwater harvesting bus wash project was initiated in 2012 by the City’s Water Services and Guelph Transit departments, in partnership with Enviro-Stewards Inc., following an award of funding from the Ministry of Environment and Climate Change’s Showcasing Water Innovation program. Since 2014, the City has saved more than 1 million litres of drinking water in the process of washing it’s buses—enough to fill four Olympic-sized swimming pools. “We rely on a groundwater… Continue reading City’s rainwater harvesting bus wash wins national award

Recommendation includes options for homes and businesses, industry Guelph, Ont., June 22, 2017—City staff have finished a study looking into the possibility of a stormwater service fee credit program for property owners that make changes to their properties to reduce stormwater runoff. The recommended program was reviewed to ensure it would not affect the City’s sustainable stormwater funding strategy. Staff are proposing that residential stormwater credits be aligned with existing water efficiency rebate and incentive programs. This collaborative approach would help keep program development and administration costs low. Residential credits would be a one-time rebate rather than monthly credits on the stormwater service fee. “By piggy backing on our successful water efficiency programs, such as the rainwater harvesting rebate program, we can offer our residents… Continue reading Stormwater service fee credit program to be considered by Council July 4

Guelph’s water efficiency strategy and youth programming recognized Guelph, Ont., May 10, 2017—The Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA) has recognized Guelph’s leadership in water conservation with a 2017 Award of Excellence in Water Efficiency for its updated water efficiency strategy in the Public Sector & Utilities Award category. The City was also recognized for its water-based youth education programming with the H2Awesome event that won in the category of Public Education & Awareness. Both awards were presented earlier today at the OWWA Awards Luncheon. “The City of Guelph is honoured to receive these awards from the Ontario Water Works Association’s Water Efficiency Committee,” said Heather Yates, Supervisor of Water Efficiency at the City. “This recognition means a great deal to us—it honours the hard work… Continue reading City wins two Ontario Water Works Association awards

Guelph, Ont., April 4, 2017—Wayne Galliher is the successful candidate for the division manager of Water Services position. Galliher, who has worked for the City since 2007, has been acting in the role since August 2016. A leader in water conservation and customer service Over his 10 years with the City, Galliher has led the growth and success of water conservation and efficiency efforts, and improvements in customer service. Notable highlights include: Developing the 2009 Water Conservation and Efficiency Strategy to incorporate recommendations of the City’s 2007 Water Supply Master Plan; Leading the City’s review of and changes to the Outside Water Use Program and Bylaw; Establishing the City’s internal leak detection program, which includes annual testing of City water mains and the installation district-metered… Continue reading City’s continued focus on water efficiency to be led by new Water Services division manager

The City’s applications to date have successfully secured $17.3 million for eight infrastructure-related projects in our community. Continue reading Federal infrastructure funding projects

City’s Water Services and Planning departments to test new tools Guelph, Ont., February 23, 2017 – The City of Guelph’s Civic Accelerator, which turns the City into a research, development and commercialization lab for civic technology, closed its first round with a Demo Day held yesterday at the University of Guelph. The event hosted representatives of the federal and provincial government, other municipal governments, angel investors, corporate leaders, Accelerator participants and partners, academics and students. Civic Accelerator Demo Day hosted on February 22, 2017 at the University of Guelph Alert Labs and Milieu Technologies showcased products that won each a spot in the Civic Accelerator for their unique ability to solve challenging City issues. “The Civic Accelerator turns local government into the first customer, and… Continue reading Pilot programs announced as Guelph wraps first round of Civic Accelerator

Guelph, Ont., February 6, 2017—The City is removing a cedar hedge (about 39 cedars) and four trees form the Burke Well property at 176 Arkell Road. Tree removal begins the week of February 6 and is being conducted in accordance with the tree management plan prepared by certified arborists and approved by Guelph’s Site Plan Committee and the Environmental Planning department. Tree removal is being completed before bird nesting season and in advance of coming upgrades to the Burke Well site which will begin later this year. As per the tree management plan, and once construction at the Burke Well site is complete, the City will plant about 56 trees, 135 shrubs and 25 perennials. For more information Karl Cober, Project Manager Water Services 519-822-1260 extension… Continue reading Tree removal at City well property on Arkell Road

2017 Non-tax-supported budget receives Council approval Guelph, Ont., November 3, 2016—Earlier this evening, Council approved the City’s Water, Wastewater Services and Stormwater Services, Ontario Building Code Administration and Court Services budgets for 2017. This is the first year that Stormwater Services is included in the non-tax-supported budget. “We have seen what the strong financial policies of Water and Wastewater Services can do to close the infrastructure gap and ensure healthy reserves,” says James Krauter, acting city treasurer. “The approval of the stormwater service fee will provide stable and dedicated funding for this critical service much like we have for water and wastewater.” Approved 2017 water and wastewater rates, effective January 1, 2017 Recommended rates and fees 2016 2017 change Water volume – $/cubic metre (m3)… Continue reading Council approves four dollar monthly residential stormwater service fee

Changes will make saving water easier Guelph, Ont., September 27, 2016—Last night Council unanimously approved the updated Water Efficiency Strategy presented by City staff at the September 6 Committee of the Whole meeting. “We are excited to move ahead with this updated strategy,” remarked Emily Stahl, acting manager of technical services for the City’s Water Services department. “Our community told us they want to do more to save water at home. The additions and improvements in the updated Water Efficiency Strategy offer fresh opportunities to take business and at-home water conservation efforts to the next level, and allow more of our community to participate.” Report highlights program improvements Program and service changes from the Water Efficiency Strategy include: Changing the Royal Flush rebate program to… Continue reading Council approves updated Water Efficiency Strategy

The City of Guelph’s new Civic Accelerator, which turns the City into a research, development and commercialization lab for civic technology, has selected winners for the Planning Notifications and Water Data challenges issued on June 20. Continue reading Alert Labs and Milieu selected by Guelph’s Civic Accelerator

City to work with landowners, businesses, developers to ensure compliance Guelph, Ont., June 29, 2016 – The City’s 72 Source Water Protection policies come into effect Friday. The provincially-legislated policies are part of the Lake Erie Source Protection Region’s Source Protection Plan designed to identify and manage threats to Guelph’s municipal drinking water. “The best way to ensure safe drinking water is to protect it at its source,” said Peter Rider, the City’s Risk Management Official. “Everyone in our community can play a role in protecting Guelph’s groundwater for future generations by taking simple precautions with everyday actions.” Guelph is one of 13 municipalities rolling out policies that support the locally-developed source protection plan. The plan and its Guelph-specific policies were endorsed by the Ministry of… Continue reading Policies to safeguard Guelph’s drinking water take effect July 1

The City of Guelph launched the Civic Solutions Accelerator that enables the City of Guelph to work with entrepreneurs, startups, students and companies to create innovative solutions for complex municipal challenges. Continue reading City of Guelph launches Civic Solutions Accelerator

Guelph, Ont., May 27, 2016—The City has drafted a new bylaw to clarify its customer service processes for billing of water and wastewater services including account creation, water meter protocols, the handling of unpaid accounts and  billing dispute resolution. The bylaw will be presented to the Infrastructure, Development and Engineering (IDE) Committee on June 7. If recommended by the IDE Committee, the proposed bylaw will be presented to Council for approval on June 27. If approved, the bylaw would come into effect immediately. “Guelph has grown a lot since we introduced the City’s Water Bylaw in 2001—we’ve seen a large increase in both residential and business water and wastewater customers—and today’s customers want detailed information about billing processes,” said Wayne Galliher, Manager of Technical Services… Continue reading Proposed bylaw to ensure transparent water and wastewater billing

A draft of the City’s final report on the Water Efficiency Strategy update is now available for public review and comment. Continue reading City presents recommended changes to water efficiency programs and services

Guelph, Ont., March 23, 2016—Guelph City Council approved a staff recommendation for a dedicated stormwater user fee by a vote of 11 to 2 at Monday night’s Council meeting. The introduction of a user fee is a shift from funding Guelph’s stormwater management system through property taxes. The fee model proposed was selected to provide a balance between fairness, equity and ease of administration. The recommendation from staff was made following more than two years of study and community consultation. “Like many other municipalities, Guelph is faced with the problem of aging infrastructure and our stormwater management system needs upgrades, especially as we face more severe storm events,”  said Arun Hindupur, Infrastructure Planning Engineer for the City. “Many cities, including Mississauga, Richmond Hill, Waterloo and… Continue reading Council approves user fees to fund stormwater management

Guelph, ON, May 09, 2014 – The Environmental Review Tribunal has granted the City’s application for leave to appeal the Ministry of Environment’s decision to grant River Valley Developments Inc.’s amended permit to take water at the Dolime quarry. The decision, made May 2, opens up an opportunity to address the City’s long–standing concerns about the risks posed to the city’s water supply by the quarry operations at Wellington Road and the Hanlon Expressway. “This is an important decision and an excellent result for the protection of our municipal water supply—but there is still work to be done,” noted Janet Laird, Executive Director of Planning, Building, Engineering and Environment. “I want to thank everyone who contributed to and supported this result. The Tribunal’s decision gives… Continue reading Tribunal grants City’s request for hearing; opens opportunity to address Dolime quarry risks