Arkell and Carter Management

Arkell Springs and Carter Water Supply Sites

Background

The Arkell Spring Grounds (Arkell) and Carter Wellfield (Carter) properties are significant water supply assets owned by the City and located in the Township of Puslinch. These properties are home to seven municipal water supply wells, accounting for as much as 80% of the City’s daily water supply. The lands provide beneficial source water, as well as patron trail use within permitted non-operational areas at the Arkell Spring Grounds.

Arkell and Carter Property Management Plan

Since 2022, Water Services has been working on a cross-departmental plan to determine the future use of the properties to:

  • Protect surface and groundwater resources (source water protection)
  • Protect environmental features
  • Maintain and enhance operational areas and plan for future operational needs
  • Protect public safety

As the City continues to plan and account for accelerated growth, continued examination of how to balance the protection needs of our water resources becomes increasingly important. After studying these sites, it was determined that expanding the operational area with strategic fencing projects is necessary to protect environmentally sensitive areas and our drinking water source. As projects on the properties continue, additional fencing, signage, and changes to access may have impact to trail users. All user groups will be notified and engaged as per City’s policies, mandates and agreements with the Guelph Hiking Trail Club (GHTC) and Guelph Off-Road Biking Association (GORBA).

Additional information

Arkell Aqueduct Maintenance Project

Throughout 2019 and 2020, the Arkell Aqueduct Maintenance Project was undertaken to understand the condition of the middle section (middle reach) of the Arkell Aqueduct; create an access route along the middle reach; ensure the protection of Guelph’s water quality and quantity; and develop a maintenance plan for this section of the aqueduct for 2019 and the future. The project, which started in 2019, was completed by the end of summer 2020.

Arkell Spring Forest

The Arkell Spring forest in Guelph helps protect the city’s groundwater supply by stabilizing soil and filtering water. The City is transforming red pine plantations into a diverse urban forest to improve resilience against weather, pests, and diseases. This involves thinning trees, planting a mix of species, and ensuring safe, mindful work practices to protect wildlife and minimize environmental impact. The work is ongoing, here’s what you need to know:

  • Some trails will be closed while we’re working. Please obey all posted signs.
  • Thinning is scheduled so it doesn’t interfere with wildlife breeding seasons or bird fledging. To reduce noise and wildlife disturbance, machinery is not permitted to idle when not in use.
  • We’re using non-toxic latex paint to mark trees, and we have a spill response plan for equipment carrying fuel or oil.
  • Equipment is pressure-washed before arrival, and before departure, to minimize the movement of invasive plant seeds.

For more information on Urban Forest Management in Guelph, visit: Trees and meadows – City of Guelph

Related links

For more information

Wayne Galliher, C.E.T.,  (he/him)
Division Manager
Water Services, Environmental Services
City of Guelph
519-822-1260 extension 2106
[email protected]