Affordability has long been a focal point for Canadians. In the 1980s, the conversation centred on high interest rates; today, inflation is top of mind, particularly for utilities. Yet, the solutions of the past will not resolve today’s challenges. Much like a scientist attempting to replicate an experiment under new conditions, the variables have changed. Economic strategies that worked decades ago cannot simply be reapplied. Success today demands innovation and integration informed by climate realities. Success today demands innovation and integration with knowledge of climate change.

Designing infrastructure for a changing climate

Infrastructure systems and affordable services must be designed, delivered, and discussed within the context of a warming country and world. Achieving this requires multiple pathways: modernizing design standards, measuring emissions, and building on momentum — all strengthened by collaboration across divisions and departments.

Innovative approaches in action

One notable example comes from EPCOR, which adopted a One Water approach — breaking down silos of water and wastewater servicing and recognizing the interconnectedness of systems to maximize existing infrastructure. EPCOR’s new design standards reflect new city zoning bylaws as well as the current reality of increased efficiency of water use by customers. Due to fixture updates, this approach has helped EPCOR avoid overbuilding infrastructure and unnecessary emissions. It has also helped create an adaptive environment to meet the growing needs of water and wastewater infrastructure.

While EPCOR’s approach focuses on optimizing infrastructure design and efficiency, other utilities are tackling the challenge from a different angle — emissions accountability. Recognizing that delivering exceptional service comes with both operational and environmental costs, the Region of Waterloo has prioritized transparency and data-driven decision-making. To address this, the Region of Waterloo undertook efforts to quantify emissions as a basis for mitigation planning. Using the Ontario Water Wastewater Association’s Greenhouse Gas (GHG) Inventory tool, the Region analyzed facility-level emissions to prioritize investments. Through dynamic measurement and leveraging deep institutional knowledge, two facilities, Mannheim and Greenbrook treatment plants, were identified as having the highest emissions per volume of water treated. This insight positions the Region to make informed decisions on reducing emissions from chemical use and transportation.

Building on this focus on emissions accountability, other regions are combining climate mitigation with affordability strategies. York Region offers a compelling example of how utilities can integrate energy efficiency and renewables with innovative technology to deliver both environmental and economic benefits. Since 2014, York Region has advanced its efforts through the Energy Conservation and Demand Management Plan, focused on monitoring and reducing energy use. A significant milestone in this journey is the Markham District Energy project, the world’s largest wastewater energy transfer system. By capturing heat from York Region’s wastewater network and converting it into renewable thermal energy for heating and cooling homes and businesses, the project is expected to avoid 30 kilotons of CO₂_e emissions annually, emissions that would otherwise result from burning natural gas, while creating a new revenue stream for the utility.

Collaboration as a catalyst

These examples from EPCOR, the Region of Waterloo, and York Region illustrate how utilities are innovating to balance affordability, sustainability, and climate resilience. Yet, no single organization can tackle these challenges alone. Progress accelerates when knowledge is shared and solutions are co-developed. That’s why Canadian Water Network (CWN) is bringing utilities and partners together through Communities of Practice, collaborative discussion forums designed to exchange insights, explore strategies, and mitigate emissions.

Throughout October and November, CWN convened utilities, academics, non-profits, and thought leaders to foster collaboration and accelerate progress. Virtually, CWN hosted five Community of Practice sessions. For utilities starting out their GHG reduction journey, we hosted sessions on starting the net zero water (NZW) journey, exploring the business case for net zero water, and learning about the value and opportunities to complete GHG inventories. For more advanced utilities, we hosted two sessions on monitoring and measuring GHG Scope 1 fugitive emissions with experts leading research and major projects across the country.

In person, CWN connected with industry peers at the National Water and Wastewater Association Conference in Victoria. The conference provided an opportunity to highlight Canadian contributions in decarbonization and innovation.   During the event, CWN hosted a collaborative workshop with the City of Toronto, Metro Vancouver, and the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) to advance practical solutions for climate-conscious water management.

Join the conversation

Now is the time to join the conversation, as we explore emerging issues and mitigation opportunities. CWN’s Communities of Practice are open to utilities seeking to advance climate-conscious strategies in our current economic reality. By participating, you’ll gain access to shared expertise, practical tools, and collaborative opportunities that accelerate progress. Together, we can build resilient, affordable, and sustainable water systems for the future. To learn more about how you can join us, visit CWN’s website.