Irrigation Initiative

A joint Niagara Region project to expand and upgrade irrigation infrastructure for the region's agricultural community, addressing growing drought risk and limited irrigation access in Lincoln, west St. Catharines and Niagara-on-the-Lake.

$1.8M+

Funding secured to advance the project

2

Irrigation systems being studied and upgraded

11

Funding partners supporting the initiative

Why irrigation matters in Niagara

Past studies have found significant room for increased yields of high-value crops in the region, but difficulties accessing irrigation water and capital funding have held back expansion. The impacts of climate change, including drought, have shown the need for better irrigation systems across Niagara.

The project has two parts, both managed at the same time by Niagara Region staff on behalf of the Project Steering Committee:

A feasibility, costing and preliminary design study for a new piped irrigation system in Lincoln and west St. Catharines below the escarpment
Engineering work to support upgrades to the existing system in Niagara-on-the-Lake

What the project includes

Project components

Feasibility, costing and preliminary design study

For a new piped irrigation system in Lincoln and west St. Catharines below the escarpment.

Recommends the most efficient, environmentally sound and cost-effective system, including an environmental assessment-style evaluation of source water and alignment options
Preliminary (10 per cent) engineering design of the preferred alternative, including pipe network and pumping station requirements
Cost estimate study covering design, capital, operation and life cycle costs
Consultation and engagement with growers, the public, government, regulatory agencies and Indigenous communities

Niagara-on-the-Lake irrigation system upgrades

Engineering work to support upgrades and enhancements to Niagara-on-the-Lake's existing irrigation system.

Builds on the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake's 2021 Irrigation System Strategy and Master Plan
Updates and combines the Town's three irrigation system engineering reports
Prepares engineering design drawings and tender documents
Includes a consultation and engagement program with residents and irrigation users

Project oversight

How the project is governed

Regional Council's Agricultural Policy and Action Committee set up the Irrigation Committee of the Whole to advance irrigation initiatives in the region. The Project Steering Committee, a subcommittee of the Committee of the Whole, oversees the project directly on behalf of growers, producers and the broader agricultural community.

Steering Committee members:

Regional staff
Grower and municipal representatives from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Lincoln and St. Catharines
A representative from Grape and Tender Fruit Ontario Limited
A representative from Regional Council
Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and Canada Infrastructure Bank staff

Project timeline

April 2025

Studies launched

Niagara Region issued requests for proposals for the feasibility study in Lincoln and west St. Catharines, and for engineering services to upgrade the Niagara-on-the-Lake system.

June 2025

Funding secured

Up to $1.8 million in funding was confirmed to advance the project, and AECOM was retained as the engineering consultant for both studies.

Summer 2025 – Winter 2025

Community engagement begins

Niagara Region hosted a project kick-off session and Public Information Centre for growers, producers and the public to learn about the project and share feedback.

March 2026

Niagara-on-the-Lake irrigation user survey

Niagara Region surveyed irrigation system users to better understand current practices, water use and expectations. View the survey results (PDF).

June 2026

Updated interim report

An updated report on project progress against the workplan, methodology and schedule set out in the April 2025 Project Charter. View the updated interim report (PDF).

August 2026

Technical memo #1

The first technical memo on the feasibility and design work was released. View technical memo #1 (PDF) and technical memo #1 appendices (PDF).

September 2026

Consolidated irrigation system report

The engineering reports for the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake’s three irrigation systems were updated and consolidated based on the recently completed Master Plan and other project input. View the consolidated irrigation system report (PDF) and report appendices (PDF).