Slide 1 – Title Slide

Hello and thank you for joining us for the City of Waterloo, Sanitary Master Plan Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, Public Consultation Centre (or PCC) number 2.

Slide 2 – Welcome!

The goals of this Online Public Consultation Centre #2 are to:

• Provide an overview of the process and project background
• Present the evaluation criteria
• Present the preferred strategy and next steps
• Answer any questions you may have and provide an opportunity to get involved in the project

We encourage you to get involved in this study. Comments received will help identify a recommended approach for current and future improvements within the City of Waterloo.

Slide 3 – Project Summary

The City of Waterloo is undertaking an update to the existing Waterloo Sanitary Master Plan developed in 2014. The update will examine the City’s sanitary sewer system needs by looking at:

• New planning policies
• Growth projections
• Current needs and issues that exist in the community

The Sanitary Master Plan will review improvements to existing sanitary infrastructure, the installation of new sanitary infrastructure, and consideration of private services to municipal servicing, through to the year 2051.

Slide 4 – Municipal Class EA Process

This study is being completed in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (EA) process. This process allows for the planning and implementation of municipal infrastructure (sewers, watermains, roads, etc.) and is legislated by the Ontario EA Act. The process can be used for planning individual projects or to address groups of projects, through a Master Plan. Master Plans are long range plans which look at existing and future needs.

Slide 5 – Problem & Opportunity

The following problem and opportunity statement has been developed to guide the study from beginning to end:

The City of Waterloo has significant sanitary sewer infrastructure which needs to be managed for the community. The existing 2014 Sanitary Master Plan identified growth projections to 2031, and requires updating to reflect the new growth projections to 2051, new planning policies, and the resulting future needs of the community.

The City is undertaking an Update to the 2014 Sanitary Master Plan to examine the City’s infrastructure needs. The Update will review improvements to the existing sanitary infrastructure to consider the installation of new sanitary infrastructure and conversion of private services to municipal servicing. The review will consider improvements through to the year 2051.

The City is committed to providing a reliable and sustainable sanitary servicing system.

Slide 6 – How did we do the Study?

Our first Public Consultation Centre has been completed as part of this project to identify background information and provide context on how the study is being completed. Since PCC 1, the following work has been completed to identify alternative solutions and determine the preferred solution to address the problem and opportunity statement:

• Extensive review of previous studies completed by the City
• Collection of rainfall data and flow data from the sewer system
• Collection of data from the City’s pumping stations
• Updating of the computer model which simulates the sanitary system to replicate real world flows
• Running the computer model through various scenarios to simulate current conditions and future conditions (for the years 2021, 2031 and 2051) along with rainfall events which may infiltrate into the sewers

Slide 7 – What did we find out?

The review of the City’s sanitary system identified the following key findings:

• The sanitary system has capacity for future growth and upgrades to the system to accommodate growth are minimal
• The study has identified eight different locations where the sewer capacity is impacted
• Surface water infiltration into the sanitary sewers are moderate and normal for most sewer systems, however, continuous efforts should be made to reduce infiltration
• Climate change modelling indicates the sanitary system will require future upgrades to handle increased rainfall from future storm events. It is recommended that continuous improvements to reduce infiltration should be undertaken to reduce the effects of climate change and mitigate the need for future sewer upgrades

These findings were used to develop the alternative solutions for this study, identified later in this presentation.

Slide 8 – Infiltration / Inflow

This slide is provided to define how infiltration and inflow impacts the sewer system.

During extreme rainfall events, excess surface water and stormwater seeps into the sanitary sewer system. Infiltration is often caused by aging infrastructure with cracks and holes that need maintenance or replacement. Inflow of excess water into sewer pipes comes from yards, roofs, drains, downspouts, and manhole covers.

Inflow and infiltration reduces the capacity of the sanitary system, leaving less for existing residents and future growth. It makes sewage treatment less efficient as stormwater and excess water has entered the system and increases the risk of basement flooding.

The figure on this slide shows inflow and infiltration of excess surface water and stormwater into the sanitary system.

Slide 9 – Alternative Solutions

As a result of the findings of the review and modeling completed on the City’s existing sanitary servicing system, the following eight locations in the existing sanitary sewers were shown to have capacity issues. These locations are the focus of the improvements for this study. The eight locations are as follows:

• Highpoint Avenue
• Austin Drive
• Lodge Street
• Thorndale Drive & Westvale Drive
• Weber Street North
• Forwell Trail
• Frobisher Drive
• Union Street East

A range of alternatives were developed and considered opportunities for upgrades and expansion, rehabilitation, and adjustments to the existing system. The alternatives were evaluated against criteria to determine the preferred solution. The evaluations and criteria are presented on the next slides.

Slide 10 – Evaluation Criteria

The eight locations and the alternative solutions will be assessed using the factors and criteria below to determine the preferred solution. Depending on comments received from agencies, Indigenous communities, stakeholders and members of the public, criteria may be added or refined.

The evaluation criteria considers the Socio-Economic Environment, Natural Environment, Technical Considerations, and Financial considerations. Each alternative has been evaluated against the criteria to understand the impacts of the alternative, and identify the most preferred improvement for each location.

The following slides will provide a summary of the existing conditions of the sanitary sewer system at each location, the alternative solutions considered, the completed evaluation, and the preferred solution.

Slide 11 – Evaluation of Alternative Solutions – Highpoint Avenue

The area of Highpoint Avenue is at risk of experiencing basement flooding under extreme rainfall events. The existing sewers on Highpoint Avenue require improvements to provide additional capacity to improve water flow under wet weather conditions.

Three alternatives were evaluated for this area:

1. Do nothing
2. Upgrade / Reprofile Sewer (replace the existing sewer to increase the capacity)
3. Twin Sewer (add a parallel sewer to increase the capacity)

Slide 12 – Preferred Solution – Highpoint Avenue

The preferred solution for the Highpoint Avenue area is to upgrade and reprofile the existing sewer. This will include replacing the existing sanitary sewer pipe along Highpoint Avenue, from Northfield Drive West to Fallingbrook Drive to provide additional capacity and improve water flow. These improvements will mitigate the risk of basement flooding, reduce future maintenance and operations costs, and accommodate current and future growth.

A map of the approximate area of the preferred solution is displayed on this slide.

Slide 13 – Evaluation of Alternative Solutions – Austin Drive

The area of Austin Drive is at risk of experiencing basement flooding under extreme rainfall events. The sewers on Cardill Crescent and Austin Drive do not have capacity for the flows under these conditions.

Three alternatives were evaluated for this area:

1. Do nothing
2. Upgrade / Reprofile Sewer 
3. Twin Sewer 

Slide 14 – Preferred Solution – Austin Drive

The preferred solution for the Austin Drive area is to upgrade and reprofile the sewer. This will include the replacement of the existing sanitary sewer pipe along Cardill Crescent and Austin Drive to provide additional capacity and improve water flow.

These improvements will mitigate the risk of basement flooding, reduce future maintenance and operations costs, and accommodate current and future growth.

A map of the approximate area of the preferred solution is displayed on this slide.

Slide 15 – Evaluation of Alternative Solutions – Lodge Street

The area of Lodge Street is at risk of experiencing basement flooding under extreme rainfall events, due to the existing undersized sewer on Lodge Street and Weber Street North. The sewers do not have capacity for the flows under these conditions.

Three alternatives were evaluated for this area:

1. Do nothing
2. Upgrade / Reprofile Sewer 
3. Twin Sewer 

Slide 16 – Preferred Solution – Lodge Street

The preferred solution for the Lodge Street area is to upgrade and reprofile the existing sewer. This will include the replacement of the existing sanitary sewer pipe along Lodge Street and Weber Street North to provide additional capacity and improve water flow.

These improvements will mitigate the risk of basement flooding, reduce future maintenance and operations costs, and accommodate current and future growth.

A map of the approximate area of the preferred solution is displayed on this slide.

Slide 17 – Evaluation of Alternative Solutions – Thorndale Drive & Westvale Drive

The area of Thorndale Drive & Westvale Drive is unable to effectively drain water under extreme rainfall events. The sanitary sewers on Maple Hill Creek do not have capacity for the flows under these conditions.

Four alternatives were evaluated for this area:

1. Do nothing
2. Upgrade / Reprofile Sewer 
3. Twin Sewer 
4. Weir Adjustment

Slide 18 – Preferred Solution – Thorndale Drive & Westvale Drive

The preferred solution for the Thorndale Drive & Westvale Drive area is to implement weir adjustments. A weir is a structure inside a maintenance hole that creates a barrier to control and measure water flow and prevent flooding.

The improvements will include the removal of the existing concrete weir upstream of Westvale Drive sewer, and the addition of a new concrete weir upstream of Thorndale Drive sewer. This solution will redirect the flow from the Thorndale Drive sewer to the Westvale Drive sewer.

These improvements will mitigate the risk of basement flooding, reduce future maintenance and operations costs, and accommodate current and future growth. This alternative also reduces potential impacts to adjacent residents.

A map of the approximate area of the preferred solution is displayed on this slide.

Slide 19 – Evaluation of Alternative Solutions – Weber Street North

The sewers in the area of Weber Street North lack capacity, but still operate effectively for the needs of the area.

Three alternatives were evaluated for this area:

1. Do nothing
2. Upgrade / Reprofile Sewer 
3. Twin Sewer 

Slide 20 – Preferred Solution – Weber Street North

This area was flagged in the computer model as having capacity issues, however, with more detailed review, the sewer was shown to operate effectively and the preferred solution for the Weber Street North area is to do nothing.

The existing sanitary sewer along Weber Street North operates effectively, and there are no concerns related to flooding within this area.

A map of the approximate area of the preferred solution is displayed on this slide.

Slide 21 – Evaluation of Alternative Solutions – Forwell Trail, East of Lexington Road

The area of Forwell Trail has high water levels in the sanitary sewer under extreme rainfall events.

Three alternatives were evaluated for this area:

1. Do nothing
2. Upgrade / Reprofile Sewer 
3. Twin Sewer

Slide 22 – Preferred Solution – Forwell Trail, East of Lexington Road

The sewer in this section is shown to have capacity issues, however, on a detailed review there is no risk to adjacent landowners of sewer backups and work on this sewer would impact the natural environment. The preferred solution for the Forwell Trail – East of Lexington Road area is to do nothing.

The existing sanitary sewer along Forwell Trail operates effectively, and there are no concerns related to flooding within this area.

A map of the approximate area of the preferred solution is displayed on this slide.

Slide 23 – Evaluation of Alternative Solutions – Frobisher Drive

Capacity constraints have been identified on Frobisher Drive under dry weather conditions.

Three alternatives were evaluated for this area:

1. Do nothing
2. Upgrade / Reprofile Sewer 
3. Twin Sewer

Slide 24 – Preferred Solution – Frobisher Drive

The preferred solution for the Frobisher Drive area is to upgrade and reprofile the sewer. This will include replacement of the existing sanitary sewer pipe along Frobisher Drive to provide additional capacity and improve water flow.

These improvements will mitigate the capacity constraints, reduce future maintenance and operations costs, and accommodate current and future growth.

A map of the approximate area of the preferred solution is displayed on this slide.

Slide 25 – Evaluation of Alternative Solutions – Union Street East

The area of Union Street East is at risk of basement flooding under extreme rainfall events.

Three alternatives were evaluated for this area:

1. Do nothing
2. Upgrade / Reprofile Sewer 
3. Twin Sewer

Slide 26 – Preferred Solution – Union Street East

The preferred solution for the Union Street East area is to upgrade and reprofile the sewer. This will include replacement of the existing sanitary sewer pipe along Union Street East to provide additional capacity and improve water flow.

These improvements will mitigate the risk of basement flooding, reduce future maintenance and operations costs, and accommodate current and future growth.

A map of the approximate area of the preferred solution is displayed on this slide.

Slide 27 – Summary of Recommendations

The following solutions are recommended to be carried forward in this Master Plan. These solutions will occur within the existing right-of-way, and are exempt from further EA study under the Municipal Class EA document.

1. Highpoint Avenue
   1. Upgrade / reprofile sewer
2. Austin Drive
   1. Upgrade / reprofile sewer
3. Lodge Street
   1.  Upgrade / reprofile sewer
4. Thorndale Drive & Westvale Drive
   1. Weir Adjustment
5. Weber Street North
   1.  Do Nothing
6. Forwell Trail
   1. Do Nothing
7. Frobisher Drive
   1. Upgrade / reprofile sewer
8. Union Street East
   1. Upgrade / reprofile sewer

A map of the approximate locations of the improvements within the City of Waterloo is displayed on this slide.

Slide 28 – Next Steps

Following this public meeting, the project team will complete the next steps identified below: 

• Review and respond to comments received
• Continue to engage Indigenous communities, and consult with the public and agencies
• Confirm Recommended Solutions and Implementation Strategy
• Prepare the Sanitary Master Plan report
• Provide reporting for 30-day public review

The findings of this study will be documented in a Sanitary Master Plan. The Master Plan will be made available on the City of Waterloo’s Engage Platform for a 30-day public review period, tentatively scheduled for winter 2023.

Slide 29– Thank you!

Thank you for participating in the Public Consultation Centre for the City of Waterloo Sanitary Master Plan Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. Your feedback is valuable and appreciated.

Please provide comments through the Engage Waterloo website or by contacting a member of the project team.

Thank you again