Introduction

With a population of 88,000 and projected growth to 141,000 by 2051, the City's water and wastewater infrastructure faces water and wastewater management challenges. The current infrastructure includes combined sewers, stormwater management facilities, and a water distribution network. The City aims to improve its water and wastewater systems' efficiency, sustainability, and environmental impact to support future growth and mitigate flooding and overflows. To address these concerns and support the City's long-term growth, a comprehensive plan is needed to improve and sustain the water and wastewater infrastructure.

Objective

The primary objective of this project is to develop a comprehensive plan to enhance the water and wastewater infrastructure in the City of Niagara Falls. The plan will address challenges such as combined sewers, stormwater management, water distribution, and operational practices. The goal is to improve service levels, support long-term growth, and minimize environmental impacts.

Key Actions of the Master Servicing Plan

• Infrastructure Assessment: Conduct a detailed assessment of the existing water and wastewater infrastructure, including combined sewers, stormwater management facilities, and the water distribution network. Identify areas of improvement, vulnerabilities, and environmental concerns associated with overflows and flooding.
• Risk-Based Action Plan: Develop a risk-based, prioritized action plan that outlines specific measures to address infrastructure challenges. This plan will include recommendations for upgrading, expanding, or replacing critical components of the water and wastewater systems. It will also consider optimizing storage facilities and operational practices to reduce discharges and protect against basement flooding.
• Capital Forecast: Prepare a multi-year capital forecast that aligns with the action plan. This forecast will estimate the financial resources required to implement the proposed infrastructure improvements over the next decade. It will support long-term planning, budgeting, and the update of development charge by-laws.
• Environmental Mitigation: Incorporate strategies and technologies to mitigate the environmental impacts of overflows and discharges into creeks, rivers, and other waterways. The plan will explore pollution prevention measures, best practices for wastewater treatment, and the implementation of green infrastructure solutions for stormwater management.
• Compliance and Reporting: Ensure that the action plan and capital forecast align with the City's Asset Management Plan for Core Assets (AMP) and relevant policies. Adhere to regulatory requirements, Ministry of the Environment guidelines, and reporting obligations. The project will also consider engineering guidelines, City policies and by-laws, and other control documents.

Expected Outcomes of the Master Servicing Plan

• Improved Infrastructure: The project will result in upgraded water and wastewater infrastructure to accommodate the City's growing population and support sustainable development. This will enhance service delivery, reduce system overflows, and minimize the risk of basement flooding.
• Environmental Protection: By reducing combined sewer overflows and improving stormwater management, the project will contribute to the protection of creeks, rivers, and other waterways, preserving water quality and ecosystem health.
• Long-term Sustainability: The risk-based action plan and capital forecast will provide a roadmap for the City to effectively manage and maintain its water and wastewater infrastructure over the long term.

Engagement Opportunities

Public Information Centre No. 2 (Notice of PIC No. 2)

A Public Information Centre is planned for December 12, 2024. Please visit the event page for more details.

Public Information Centre No. 1 (Notice of PIC #1)

Thank you to those who attended the MSP, TMP, and Active Transportation Master Plan's first Public Information Centre on December 14, 2023, at the MacBain Community Centre. If you weren't able to attend the information meeting, a copy of the project storyboards is accessible here.

Please use the comment section of this page to provide any feedback you have on the storyboards, including any questions you may have about the planning process and the MSP.

Thank you!