Category Archives: Water

Speed River may show red tint from dye tracer test starting January 20 Guelph, Ont., January 17, 2020 – The City is doing a safe, and environmentally friendly, dye tracer test in a sewage holding tank on Water Street, starting January 20. Dye will be poured into the sewage holding tank to determine if there are any leaks. During the dye tracer test, which runs for about 10-16 weeks, residents may see a red tint in the Speed River near the east Wellington Street off-ramp from the Hanlon Parkway. Dye tracers are a common way to test the travel time and flow of water or sewage. The dye does not reduce the dissolved oxygen level in the river so it`s safe for aquatic life, and… Continue reading City testing sewage holding tank for leaks

More than 230 residents from the City and Guelph-Eramosa Township attended the community open houses and pop-up information sessions to get more information, ask questions, and share their feedback. Continue reading City completes engagement on proposal to address its concerns with Dolime Quarry operations

Lane reductions in effect, avoid if possible   Guelph, Ont., December 2, 2019— City crews are responding to a water main break on Eramosa Road at Meyer Drive, repairs are expected to be completed by tomorrow morning. There are no health risks as a result of the break. Lane reductions are in effect. One lane is open in both directions, traffic is moving slow and delays are to be expected. Residents are asked to avoid the area if possible. Follow @GuelphTransit for any changes or delays to bus routes in the area. Some noise and light due to construction may be experienced by those living or working in the area where the break has occurred. The City will provide updates at guelph.ca and on Facebook… Continue reading Crews responding to a water main break on Eramosa Road at Meyer Drive

Speedvale Avenue is closed between the Hanlon Expressway and Silvercreek Parkway. Please avoid the area until further notice. Continue reading City crews responding to water main break on Speedvale Avenue

Guelph, Ont., November 19, 2019 – The City of Guelph is hosting the final open house for Our Community, Our Water on November 26. This open house is the final opportunity for people to come learn more about the quarry site revitalization proposal, ask questions and share feedback. What Our Community, Our Water open house Photo and video opportunities Opportunities to ask questions Final opportunity to provide in-person feedback on the proposal (online feedback ends November 30) Who Our Community, Our Water project staff from the City of Guelph River Valley Developments staff (quarry owners) When Tuesday, November 26, 2019 2–4 p.m. and 6–8 p.m. Where Holiday Inn Hotel and Conference Centre 601 Scottsdale Drive, Guelph N1G 3E7 Media Contact Our Community, Our Water City… Continue reading Our Community, Our Water open house November 26

City Council approved the 2020 capital budget and the non-tax supported operating budget, and received the 2021–2029 capital forecast. Continue reading Council approves 2020 capital budget and non-tax supported operating budget

Drop by the Holiday Inn from 2 to 4 p.m. or 6 to 8 p.m. Guelph, Ont., November 12, 2019—The City of Guelph and the owners of the Dolime Quarry have reached a potential solution to address the City’s concerns about how operations at the quarry could affect Guelph’s drinking water. Whether to pursue the proposed solution is an important City Council decision. City Council and City staff are sharing this proposal with our community before Council makes its decision. The City is hosting the final community open house on November 26, 2019 at the Holiday Inn. What: Our Community, Our Water open house Where: Holiday Inn, 601 Scottsdale Drive, Guelph When: November 26, 2019. Drop-in sessions from 2-4 p.m. and 6-8 p.m. Other ways to get… Continue reading Our Community, Our Water open house November 26

The City is updating the Water Supply Master Plan. Continue reading Notice of study commencement: City of Guelph Municipal Class Environmental Assessment for the Water Supply Master Plan Update

Visit Our Community, Our Water at haveyoursay.guelph.ca by November 30 to share your thoughts on the proposed solution to address the City’s concerns about how operations at the Dolime Quarry could affect Guelph’s drinking water. Continue reading City looking for community feedback on proposed solution to replace Dolime Quarry with residential neighbourhood

Guelph, Ont., October 22, 2019 – The City of Guelph is hosting the first of two open houses for Our Community, Our Water on October 29. This open house is an opportunity for people to come learn more about the quarry site revitalization proposal, ask questions and share feedback. What Our Community, Our Water open house Photo and video opportunities Opportunities to ask questions First opportunity to provide feedback on the proposal Who Our Community, Our Water project staff from the City of Guelph River Valley Developments staff (quarry owners) When Tuesday, October 29, 2019 2 – 4 p.m. and 6 – 8 p.m. Where Marg MacKinnon Community Room (enter from galleria) Guelph City Hall 1 Carden Street Media Contact Laura Mousseau, Communications Manager Corporate… Continue reading Our Community, Our Water open house October 29

City of Guelph Schedule ‘B’ Municipal Class Environmental Assessment for Robertson booster pump station Continue reading Notice of study commencement and public open house

The first Our Community, Our Water open house is happening on October 29 at City Hall from 2 to 4 p.m. and 6 to 8 p.m. Continue reading Our Community, Our Water open house October 29

The City of Guelph and the owners of the Dolime Quarry have reached a potential solution to address the City’s concerns about how operations at the quarry could affect Guelph’s drinking water. Continue reading City and Dolime Quarry owners reach proposal to protect Guelph’s drinking water

The inspection and maintenance of the Arkell aqueduct, where 60 to 80 per cent of Guelph’s water comes from, is underway. Continue reading Arkell aqueduct maintenance: November 2019 project update

Silvercreek Parkway closed between Woodlawn and Campbell for emergency watermain repair. Continue reading Silvercreek Parkway closed between Woodlawn and Campbell for emergency watermain repair

The City will begin dead-end watermain flushing throughout Guelph starting Monday, September 16 Continue reading City to begin dead-end watermain flushing September 16

The City will be performing repairs to an underground water valve at the Willow Road and Imperial Road North intersection on Thursday, August 29. Continue reading Construction notice: Lane restrictions at Willow Road and Imperial Road North intersection on August 29

The City has reviewed Lafarge’s application and will develop our based on analysis from the groundwater flow modeling currently underway. Continue reading Information about the City’s plans to provide comment on LaFarge Canada’s water-taking application

The City is offering rebates to help property owners decommission private water wells and septic systems. Continue reading City launches private water well and septic decommissioning rebate program

Your lawn only needs 2.5 cm (1 inch) of water a week.  Guelph, Ont., July 30, 2019 – The City is enforcing watering restrictions for level 1 yellow of the outside water use program because a sustained period of no steady rain and little relief is anticipated in the forecast ahead.   At level 1 yellow, lawn watering is restricted to 7-9 a.m. and 7-9 p.m. on odd or even calendar dates by address number—odd-numbered houses can water on odd-numbered dates and even-numbered houses on even dates. “Despite last night’s rain, the hot, dry summer weather has caught up with us,” said Heather Yates, Supervisor of Water Efficiency. “Early morning and late day watering happens to be the best time of day to keep plants… Continue reading Summer is heating up: Level yellow outside watering restrictions now in effect

In compliance with the Ontario Fire Code, the City tests all fire hydrants on a yearly basis to ensure they are in proper working order when needed for fire suppression. Continue reading Fire hydrant testing has started throughout Guelph

Upgrades will help Sleeman save $266,000 a year Guelph, Ont., June 25, 2019 —Sleeman Breweries is now saving about 298,000 litres or over 5,000 kegs’ worth of water every day thanks to the results of their Water Smart Business audit from the City of Guelph. Those daily water savings add up to about $266,000 in annual savings on Sleeman’s water bill, and enough water to fill 40 Olympic-sized swimming pools every year. “Our community understands the importance of using water wisely,” says Steven Snopkowski, Water Smart Business program coordinator at the City. “It’s great to see local businesses, like Sleeman Breweries, playing their part in being water efficient. Sleeman has shown great leadership that’s a real win-win situation for our whole community.” Through the Water… Continue reading Sleeman Breweries’ Water Smart Business upgrades save over 5,000 kegs’ worth of water a day

Guelph, Ont., June 5, 2019 – City staff and council celebrated the opening of the upgraded Burke well house last week. The City made upgrades to remove iron and manganese from the water, and to improve service delivery and reliability of the 44-year-old well located on the north side of Arkell Road near Summerfield Drive. “Burke well is one of Guelph’s largest wells and provides about eight per cent of our daily water supply—tap water for about 13,000 households each day,” says Emily Stahl, manager of technical services. “It’s an important water source for Guelph and our upgrades ensure it will continue to serve our community well into the future.” As with all of Guelph’s drinking water, water from Burke well has always met Ontario’s… Continue reading Burke well upgrades improve water service to 13,000 homes

The upgrades to Burke well are now complete and the well is currently operative. Burke well upgrades were made to improve overall water quality, service delivery and the reliability of Burke well which was built in 1975. Completion of these upgrades will save the City money and prolong the life of this important City asset. The upgrades completed include: expansion of the existing well house to accommodate additional treatment equipment (newly finished area of 310 square metres from current area of 62 square metres); installation of a filter system to remove manganese and iron; construction of 350 cubic metres of water storage, an amount that would fill more than 2,000 standard bathtubs; well cleaning; replacement of the on-site emergency power generator; and replacement of utility service… Continue reading Construction complete at Burke well house

The City is making security upgrades at the Arkell Spring grounds to enhance the protection of Guelph’s drinking water source and to improve public safety. Continue reading Security upgrades at Arkell Spring grounds begin May 20

Guelph, Ont., May 2, 2019—Today the City released an updated preferred community structure for the Clair-Maltby Secondary Plan as part of a report to Council. The update is based on community feedback and additional studies the City has completed. In addition to the updated structure, the report presents the final policy directions document and provides a timeline for the remainder of the project. Putting the environment first The updated work on the Secondary Plan continues to put the protection of the Paris Moraine and the city’s natural heritage and water resources first. Further studies confirmed that planned urban development in the Clair-Maltby area will not interfere with the function of the Paris Moraine, the natural heritage system or water resources. The Paris Moraine is not… Continue reading City releases updated preferred structure for Clair-Maltby

Watch your mailbox to see if your home is on the replacement list Guelph, Ont,. April 29, 2019 – The City has hired Neptune Technology Group Inc. to complete mandatory replacements of residential water meters in about 8,000 homes. Water meter replacements begin May 6, 2019. If your water meter is due for replacement, Neptune will contact you by mail, door hanger or phone. Neptune staff will not show up at your door without an appointment. If you get a notice, you’ll need to respond to the contact information provided to book your water meter replacement appointment. Appointments are available Monday to Friday, 8 a.m. – 8 p.m. and Saturdays 9 a.m. – 6 p.m. Installation of the new water meter is free. What is… Continue reading Mandatory residential water meter replacements start May 6

Today the City of Guelph welcomes Jennifer Rose as the general manager of Environmental Services. Rose comes to the City with 15 years’ experience in the municipal sector, most recently as director of Environmental Services for the City of Vaughan. Continue reading Things looking rosy with City of Guelph’s new GM of Environmental Services

Guelph has won an Exemplary Source Water Protection Award from the American Water Works Association Continue reading Guelph wins award for protecting local drinking water sources

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

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 80, 81, 60, 61 and 62 during the month of October. 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… 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

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

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