Notice of Study Commencement

Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Bemis Park Elevated Tank, City of Welland

Niagara Region has initiated a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Study to assess and optimize water servicing within the Welland water distribution system. This study will include identification of potential storage and pumping solutions to meet the demands and improve the system’s operational efficiency and water quality. The figure to the right outlines the boundary of Welland’s water distribution system.

Niagara Region’s 2016 Master Servicing Plan (MSP) identified deficiencies in the pumping and storage capacities within Welland’s water distribution system. The Region has also made a commitment to remove all multi-leg elevated tanks as they do not meet current building and seismic code. With these considerations in mind, the Region will review the system requirements and determine the best solution for the Welland distribution system.

This study is being planned as a Schedule ‘‘B’’ Class EA, satisfying Phases 1 and 2 of the Municipal Engineers Association Municipal Class EA process, which is a planning process approved under Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act. This study will define the problems and opportunities associated with the site, develop and evaluate alternative strategies, determine a feasible solution, and identify methods to avoid or minimize impacts to the community and natural environment.

Niagara Region encourages the public and stakeholders to participate in this planning process. A Public Information Centre will be planned in 2022 to present details about the study, the process used to decide on possible solutions and allow you the opportunity to share your comments and concerns. For more information, visit the project webpage:

niagararegion.ca/projects/bemis-elevated-tank

Notification of the Public Information Centre will be advertised in the local newspapers and Niagara Region’s website. Upon completion of the study, a Project File Report documenting the study process will be prepared and made available for public review and comment. Anyone who wishes to comment on or to be involved in this study should indicate their interest, preferably in writing to:

Michelle Miller, C.E.T., Project Manager

Water & Wastewater Engineering

Niagara Region

3501 Schmon Pkwy., PO Box 1042

Thorold, ON L2V 4T7

905-980-6000 ext. 3737

Toll-free: 1-800-263-7215 | Fax: 905-685-5205 michelle.miller@niagararegion.ca

Amanda Beattie, Project Manager

GM Blue Plan Engineering Limited 1266 South Service Rd., Unit C31 Stoney Creek, ON L8E 5R9 905-932-4844 amanda.beattie@gmblueplan.ca

Personal information collected or submitted in writing at public meetings will be collected, used and disclosed by members of Regional Council and Regional staff in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). The written submissions including names, contact information and reports of the public meeting will be made available. Questions should be referred to the Privacy Office at 905-980-6000, ext. 3779 or FOI@niagararegion.ca.

If you require any accommodations in order to attend and participate in meetings or events, please let us know in advance so that arrangements can be made in a timely manner. Please contact the Accessibility Advisory Coordinator at 905-980-6000, ext. 3252 or accessibility@niagararegion.ca.

This notice was first issued on May 14, 2022.