Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Plan
2016-2051
Niagara Region's long-term plan for the pipes, pumping stations and treatment plants that deliver drinking water and carry away wastewater — reviewed and updated as our population grows.
214K
New residents expected in Niagara by 2051
81K
New jobs expected in Niagara by 2051
2016
Year of the first Master Servicing Plan
2051
Current planning horizon for the update underway
Keeping up with a growing Niagara
Niagara Region works with the 12 local municipalities to provide safe, clean drinking water and to safely treat wastewater. As Niagara grows, that infrastructure — watermains, sewers, pumping stations and treatment plants — has to grow with it.
The Water and Wastewater Master Servicing Plan is how Niagara Region figures out what's needed, where and when. It isn't a one-time document: it's reviewed and updated periodically to reflect the latest population and employment forecasts, so the plan never falls too far behind Niagara's actual growth.
About the plan
What the plan does: Sets the direction for how Niagara Region operates its water and wastewater systems today, and how it will expand and upgrade them to meet future demand.
How it's developed: The plan follows the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process — a provincially approved framework for evaluating infrastructure alternatives and consulting the public before a preferred strategy is chosen.
How it's coordinated: Each update lines up with other Regional planning work, including the Development Charges Background Study, the Transportation Master Plan and the Regional Official Plan's growth forecasts.
One plan, updated as Niagara grows
Plan history
Rather than starting over, each version builds on the last. Here's how the plan has evolved.
2016 Master Servicing Plan
Completed
The original plan, charting Niagara's water and wastewater infrastructure needs out to 2041.
2021 Master Servicing Plan Update
Completed
Extended the planning horizon to 2051 to reflect updated growth forecasts. Completed a 45-day public review in summer 2023 and finished later that year.
2026 Master Servicing Plan Update
In progress
Underway now, the 2026 study builds on the 2021 update with the latest data and modelling to keep pace with growth beyond 2051.
Status of the 2026 update
Happening now
Stage 1: Assess infrastructure
Reviewed existing water and wastewater systems and identified data gaps.
Completed
Stage 2: Modelling
Built and calibrated updated water and wastewater models with municipal partners.
Completed
Stage 3: Alternatives
Evaluating servicing strategies and growth scenarios against an evaluation matrix.
In progress
Stage 4: Preferred solution
Design concepts, program costing and an implementation plan, plus a second Public Information Centre.
Later in 2026
Stage 5: Finalize
Final report, public consultation, and filing to complete the update.
2026 into 2027
A coordinated approach
Niagara Region is holding workshops with the cities / towns to review local constraints and servicing needs and discuss recommended servicing strategies. This includes coordinating with Fort Erie on the Fort Erie Long-Term Wastewater Servicing Strategy to support future growth.
Public Information Centre #1
At the first round of public consultation on the 2026 update, residents could review display boards, watch a video presentation, and submit comments.