Key insights Strategic rate increases can drive infrastructure renewal. Transparency builds public trust. Infrastructure investment must outpace decay. Conservation and financial sustainability can coexist. Clear prioritization of capital projects improves resource allocation. Read the full case study
As communities across Canada look for cost-effective ways to reduce emissions, Wastewater Energy Transfer (WET) systems offer an opportunity to reduce reliance on carbon intensive energy sources and leverage existing sewage infrastructure. This primer explores: How WET systems work. Canadian and international examples of WET systems. Key technical, economic, and policy considerations. Read the primer
Key insights Federal funding, effective leadership, and support from senior management were crucial to developing the energy management project roadmap. Securing funding and resourcing was essential to sustaining energy management initiatives. Enhanced coordination across teams and better communication of energy savings helped ensure that the program stayed on track and gained support from various stakeholders. [...]
Key insights Understanding, predicting, and mitigating nitrous oxide emissions is crucial as utilities across Canada strive to reduce their carbon footprint. Monitoring and measuring of nitrous oxide at the Duffin Creek Water Pollution Control Plant will inform actions that support safe, cost-effective services that have low emissions. Effective aeration controls are important to support the [...]
Key insights Community-driven innovation: The Capital Regional District’s (CRD) biosolids strategy was shaped by strong public engagement and the board’s responsiveness to environmental concerns. Its shift from traditional disposal methods toward advanced thermal treatment reflects how municipalities are increasingly expected to align infrastructure decisions with evolving community values, such as environmental sustainability and public health [...]
Key insights The greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory tool developed by the Ontario Water Works Association (OWWA) and Water Environment Association of Ontario (WEAO) enables municipalities to assess GHG emissions from their water treatment facilities and support informed decision-making. The tool accounts for both direct and indirect emissions from drinking water treatment plants, which offers a [...]
Key insights Senior leadership support is necessary to drive large-scale mitigation action. Completing a GHG inventory is the first step toward effective GHG mitigation. An inventory provides an understanding of the emission sources and helps focus mitigation efforts. When developing mitigation plans, it is critical to identify key stakeholders across your utility and to engage [...]
Key insights Annual rate increases above the rate of inflation are sometimes necessary to help municipalities close gaps in asset management funding and manage debt. It is also important to understand local affordability limits and consider how rate increases may impact residents with low income. External stakeholder engagement with local cities, towns and users is [...]
Key insights Tommy Thompson Park was formed after the abandonment of the initial plan to create Confined Disposal Facilities (CDFs), giving way for the naturalization of the site to create an ‘accidental wilderness.’ Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) was tasked with restoring the site, which was created by natural succession to remove the contaminated [...]
Key insights Today’s customers want to know more about their water. This includes a greater understanding of water rates, stormwater management, water quality, flooding and other issues. Integrating customers’ voice into areas such as performance measures, service expectations and service delivery can help identify how utility services either meet, exceed or fall below expectations. Understanding [...]
