What is Being Done - Our Projects
| Overview |
| Our Projects |
| Government Initiatives |
The WaterSmart Niagara strategic plan developed more than 340 actions to be addressed over the next 30 years. These actions were organized into 11 Action Programs and tagged with a priority ranking, timeline, predicted cost and lead agency. The strategy separates the actions into Direct and Indirect Actions for implementation.
| Direct Actions | Indirect Actions | |||
| Direct Actions are new actions to be initiated under the strategy by either the Niagara Region or the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority (NPCA). |
Indirect Actions are actions that are ongoing in the watershed or planned for in the near future. Responsibility for Indirect Actions lies with other existing organizations, supported by WaterSmart Niagara. |
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| Public Education | ||||
| As part of its 11 Action programs, WaterSmart Niagara formed a Communications Committee to develop a public education / communication strategy. More.. | ||||
Niagara Watershed Report Card
The Niagara Watershed Report Card was distributed to over 250,000 homes across Niagara. Since its release, the Report Card has received acclaim across the province for the process followed and the quality of information presented to the public. The Report Card was produced as a communication tool to help inform residents of how water resources are being affected in our watershed, to stimulate government action, and to encourage public stewardship initiatives in the watershed municipalities.
The Niagara Watershed Report Card will be reproduced in 2007 with a short list of indicators from those used in 2005/2006 Report Card. The intent is to produce a condensed version of the Report Card every two to three years, with a complete version produced every five years. Further information is available at www.conservation-niagara.on.ca
Water Efficiency Study
The Water Efficiency Study was undertaken to investigate how Niagara's municipalities and others in the province approach water efficiency planning. The Study outlines steps that can be taken in developing and implementing a water efficiency plan. This project involved a survey of municipal water suppliers within the Niagara Region, a review of Best Management Practices from other municipalities in Ontario, and the development of the Water Efficiency Toolkit to be used by Niagara area municipalities. The Water Efficiency Toolkit is a central resource that municipalities can use to implement water conservation efforts and develop a water efficiency plan.
Integrated Data Collection and Monitoring Program (IDCAM)
The purpose of this Direct Action is to develop a region-wide monitoring program, including a comprehensive set of data requirements, recommendations for geographic coverage and monitoring frequency, and consistent and appropriate standards and protocols. This action will identify current monitoring programs, define data and protocol gaps, establish standards, and protocols, and develop plans for integrating existing and future monitoring efforts.
Agricultural Best Management Practices
This action was undertaken to identify appropriate water quality improvement and protection actions for rural areas of the Niagara watershed. This study involved gaining an understanding of relevant agricultural best management practices that are undertaken across Ontario related to the protection of water quality/quantity. The objectives of this study were to establish what agricultural practices are being undertaken in the Niagara watershed and elsewhere, determine what would work in Niagara and identify opportunities for promoting agricultural best management practices through demonstration sites.
Audit and Evaluation of Combined Sewer Overflows (CSO)
The objective of this Direct Action is to develop a CSO Reduction Plan that will significantly reduce environmental contamination and safeguard public health. The main components of this audit are to confirm CSO locations within the Region; determine the impact of CSO and plant by-pass on receiving water bodies; develop a prioritized funding list for CSOs and develop a generic plan to address CSOs across the Niagara watershed. Regional cost sharing is required to assist local area municipalities in implementing CSO remediation projects.
Niagara Stormwater Management and Erosion & Sediment Control Policy
This action will involve developing a region-wide policy to assist local area municipalities in preparing stormwater management, construction sediment and erosion control policies to address the environmental impacts of development. The main objectives of this action are to set out clear watershed-wide policies to encourage consistent application of stormwater management, erosion and sediment control criteria in the watershed; identify opportunities for improved efficiency and effectiveness and identify approaches for removing barriers to implementation. A model policy will be developed to assist area municipalities in developing their own by-laws.
Information Index
This action involves developing a user-friendly Information Index for all watershed partners to access and share water related data using the Region's web-based applications Initially, the index will be set up similar to a searchable card catalogue, summarizing what information is available, in what form, and where it can be found. The information index is a communication and information management tool to serve all regional stakeholders involved in water resources projects.
Stormwater Management to Address Beach Postings
Bacterial contamination at public beaches is a major health concern and ineffective stormwater management (e.g. CSOs) are known contributors to poor near-shore water quality, which results in beach postings. This study aims to identify beaches with frequent water quality issues and to recommend mitigation efforts where it has been determined that stormwater is a major contributor to beach water quality.
Agricultural Best Management Practices Study - Implementation
This action item is a continuation of the Agricultural Survey and Best Management Practices (BMP) study, completed in 2006. The project will identify and summarize sites currently undertaking water-related BMPs that have the potential to serve as demonstration sites. This agricultural demonstration project may become the first step in establishing a Rural Water Quality Program of BMPs across the watershed.
Development of Consistent Water Resources Management Policies Across the Region
The current municipal Official Plan policies provide general, rather than specific, direction for water resource protection. Most relate only to new development with limited attention directed to water quality and quantity issues arising from existing development. This Action will establish standard water management practices policies to be considered by municipalities within the Niagara watershed.Co-ordination of Data Collection Efforts Among Watershed Agencies and Municipalities
Land use information is a key component for decision making at all levels and allows for monitoring and management of land use change over time. Standards will be developed to ensure that current and future land use data collection programs are consistent and of good quality. Data currently being collected should be organized in a format that can be commonly used by all stakeholders in the watershed.
Development of a Regional Pollution Discharge Elimination Program (RPDEP)
This program will determine the feasibility of developing a new regulatory framework for the management of stormwater in the Region. Historically, stormwater management practices have only been applied to new development - largely implemented for quantity control on development. Traditionally, storm drainage has not been treated like sanitary and water utilities, which are managed under a "user-pay" system (e.g. metering). This program will examine the opportunities for developing a more resource-based and user-pay approach to managing stormwater.
Water Policy Investigation
During the Niagara Water Quality Protection Strategy development, stakeholders from the Region, Area Municipalities, MOE, NPCA, Ministry of Natural Resources and Ontario Ministry of Agriculture Food and Rural Affairs met to discuss the current application of water-related regulations, policies and legislation within the watershed. Issues associated with the application of a number of the regulations and policies were identified that frequently resulted frequently in the inappropriate and inconsistent use of the water resource management regulations and policies. This investigation will recommend improvements to administrative mechanisms to deliver existing regulations and policies in a more appropriate and consistent manner, where possible, across the region and make recommendations for further actions on outstanding issues.
Water Efficiency Program Implementation
NWS is currently developing partnership arrangements with interested area municipalities to prepare and implement a demonstration water efficiency management plan. This will include water consumption and conservation measures, public education, summer use program, distribution leakage reduction measures and water appliance retrofits. Demonstrated water saving successes from this pilot project will be shared with other Niagara municipalities.
Indirect Actions
Those actions that are on-going in the watershed or planned for in the near future are known as Indirect Actions. Responsibility for Indirect Actions lies with other existing organizations, supported by WaterSmart Niagara.
Grimsby Storm Quality Master Plan (Grimsby)
Develop a model Stormwater Master Plan and co-ordinate policies to better define the municipal stormwater management needs. Instead of piece-meal, on-site servicing, the Master Plan will recognize infill and redevelopment opportunities in the context of a comprehensively planned stormwater system. Results will be shared with other watershed partners.
Recycle the Rain (Niagara-on-the-Lake)
The program involves the implementation of a rain barrel program to eliminate stormwater inflow into the sanitary sewer system and promote public education regarding wise use of water resources.
Catch the Rain (St. Catharines)
The project aims to reduce wet weather discharges to sanitary and storm sewer systems through the distribution of rain barrels to residences experiencing basement flooding during severe rainfall events.
Weeping Tile Monitoring Program (Niagara Falls and Fort Erie)
This project involves an evaluation of weeping tile disconnections and the gathering of flow data to ascertain the effectiveness of this alternative for pollution control or abatement.
The following projects are being considered for Regional cost-sharing funding under the 2007 Indirect Actions program:
North West Area Master Environmental and Servicing Plan (Port Colborne)
This project involves the development of a model storm water management (SWM) plan and co-ordinated policy to better define the municipal SWM needs. The plan will identify SWM best management practices, impacts on water quality, erosion as water quantity control targets, hydrogeological analysis, environmental inventory and evaluation, municipal servicing strategies as well as identify municipal infrastructure upgrades.
Water Conservation and Public Education Program (Welland)
The proposal involves the implementation of a rain barrel program to eliminate stormwater inflow into the sanitary sewer system and extensive public education regarding wise use of water resources. Other initiatives will include a cash incentive program for bathroom facilities, downspout disconnections and distribution of rain gauges.
Decommissioning and Septic System Improvements Program (NPCA)
The project involves the development of an approach to establish a long-term, comprehensive rural water quality improvement program.
Weeping Tile Disconnect Program (Niagara Falls)
The City of Niagara Falls is advancing a proactive program to regulate and enforce new by-laws that require homeowners to disconnect their weeping tile from the sanitary sewer system. The project will fund education, public awareness and physical improvements.
Extraneous Flow Reduction Program (Fort Erie)
The program involves an evaluation of weeping tile disconnections and the gathering of flow data to ascertain the effectiveness of this alternative for pollution control or abatement.
Catch the Rain Program (St. Catharines)
This project is aimed at reducing wet weather discharges to sanitary and storm sewer systems through the distribution of rain barrels to residences experiencing basement flooding during severe rainfall events.
Niagara River "Area of Concern" - Fish Barrier Project and Nutrient Reduction Program (NPCA)
The project involves the implementation of a priority project identified under the Remedial Action Program involving beneficial use impairment remediation on the Welland River. The project will remediate four fish barriers to fish migration, thereby improving biological diversity and habitat, reducing nutrient loading and decreasing sediment. The project is a partnership between the NPCA and the Niagara Restoration Council, focussing on public education and awareness of water quality issues.
Water Quality Testing and Monitoring of Municipal Drains (Lorraine Bay Group/Port Colborne)
The application involves the establishment of a water sampling and testing program in various municipal drains in Port Colborne. This project is financially supported by Port Colborne with the involvement of the Lorraine Bay Water Quality Group for the monitoring of the Wignell, Michener and Beaverdam municipal drains.
Next Steps
The actions identified in this report were recommended in the "Niagara Water Quality Protection Strategy - Technical Summary Report", October 2003. These actions, based on Niagara Water Strategy priorities, were selected as first steps in protecting, restoring and better managing our water resources. The Strategy is intended to be a dynamic process that will be updated over time through monitoring and feedback from many stakeholders. This will determine the effectiveness of various NWS actions in achieving and sustaining the goals adopted by Niagara Regional Council.
One key component of the Strategy has always been public communications and consultation.
Education and Awareness Building Program, one of the 11 Action Programs, set out the following objectives to:
- Implement campaigns that will raise awareness about water quality and quantity issues.
- Identify programs that promote behaviour change with respect to water use and water efficiency.
- Develop and implement in school education programs.
- Promote understanding of the public's role in maintaining ecosystem.
The Strategy partners recognized the need for continuous public education and communication and organized a Communications Committee to develop and implement a communications plan for the Strategy. In the summer of 2006, the Communications Committee set out the program objectives as follows:
- Raise overall visibility and understanding of the Niagara Water Strategy.
- Increase understanding of what local government is doing.
- Help the public understand that everyone has a part to play in water protection.
- Teach individuals and organizations what they can do.
The target audience has remained the same throughout the development and implementation of the Strategy, focussing on students (elementary to high school), the broader public, business and industry, community and environmental groups and internal (municipal government employees, councillors). The key messages that the Strategy will continue to send out will include:
- "Everyone has a part to play".
- Niagara Water Strategy is a partnership between all sectors and residents of the community.
- What each does affects others - positively or negatively (aesthetic vs. environmental issues).
- Here's what Niagara is doing; here is what you can do.
- "Water smart practices are easy to do".
- Not time-consuming or expensive (cost vs. benefit).
- "Water smart practices have short and long term benefits".
- Short-term - cost-saving (for households and municipalities).
- Long-term - health, adequate supply, protection of the watershed and environment.
The Communications Committee will play a large role in the next year promoting the Strategy and informing the public about how they can become part of the solution.
