FAQs
Why are you doing this project?
The purpose of this Master Plan is to examine the City’s sanitary infrastructure needs in light of new planning policies, growth projections, and the current needs and issues that exist in our community.
What is the sanitary system?
The sanitary system refers to the infrastructure (pipes, sewers, and associated wastewater treatment facilities) necessary to receive, process, and manage wastewater within the City of Kitchener.
What is being studied?
The Master Plan will review existing conditions and evaluate planned growth and servicing needs to develop and assess alternative solutions for sanitary servicing. A preferred solution to support planned growth across the City will be identified following a technical review of alternatives with input received from agencies, Indigenous communities and stakeholders.
Where is the study area?
The study area includes the whole of the City of Kitchener. The project team will also be consulting the Region of Waterloo and adjacent communities within the Region.
What is the current expected life/capacity for our sanitary systems?
The City of Kitchener sanitary system includes a variety of systems and infrastructure that have a wide age range of longevity based on when they were installed. Life expectancy is based on many factors including the maintenance history of the various components and the ability to meet the servicing needs of system users.
The Master Plan will identify recommended projects to address current and future sanitary servicing needs of the community. Recommended projects will be prioritized based on factors including life expectancy, as well as other criteria to be developed as part of this study.
When will the project be completed?
The Master Plan Municipal Class EA project commenced September 2, 2021 and is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2022.
Who will be engaged as part of this project?
The Engage Kitchener Platform has been established to encourage dialogue between the project team and the community. In addition, the project will include two Public Information Centres and notices will be advertised with meeting details. As part of the Master Plan process, the project team will engage with agencies, stakeholder groups, and Indigenous communities.
We want to hear from you! If you would like more information on the study or wish to be added to the contact list, please use the contact information on the Engage page.
How is the Master Plan completed?
This study is being undertaken as a Master Plan in accordance with the planning and design process as outlined in the Municipal Class EA document (2000, as amended) which is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.
The Master Plan will follow Approach 2 as identified in the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (2000, as amended). Approach 2 includes the completion of Phases 1 and 2 of the Class EA process, where the level of detail, documentation, and consultation is adequate to satisfy requirements for Schedule B projects. The Notice of Completion then applies to the identified Schedule B projects. The Master Plan also forms the basis for Schedule C projects, with completion of Phases 3 and 4 conducted separately from the Master Plan.
The project team will be reviewing existing conditions, as well as developing and assessing alternative solutions to address the City’s sanitary infrastructure needs to support planned growth across the City. The preferred solution will be identified following a technical review of alternatives, as well as input received from agencies, Indigenous communities and stakeholders.
How can I learn more about the project?
Thank you for your interest in the study. If you would like, you can visit the Engage page and subscribe. This will allow you to receive updates and provide feedback throughout the duration of the engagement.
At the top right corner on the page (Stay informed) you can submit your email address for updates. If you are on mobile/phone, scroll to the bottom and you will see it there.
Contact information for the project team will be provided on project notices and is available on the Engage page.