Antimicrobial resistance (AMR) is a serious and growing threat to human health. It is already causing significant illness and death worldwide, including in Canada. Without urgent action, AMR will continue to undermine the effectiveness of life-saving medical treatments and lead to major social and economic costs. To help water sector stakeholders better understand this emerging [...]
Sometimes the biggest opportunities are hiding in plain sight. Years ago, a sewer trunk line running beside Markham District Energy's Warden Energy Centre was viewed as an inconvenient constraint that would complicate the routing of thermal energy piping. Today, that same infrastructure is the foundation of what will become the largest wastewater energy transfer system [...]
How can municipalities start tackling wastewater emissions? We partnered with GHD to develop a new case study that explores how Canadian municipalities can build their first wastewater greenhouse gas (GHG) inventory — a critical step toward climate mitigation. Key takeaways: Municipalities typically choose between using an existing tool or developing a custom calculator. Publicly available [...]
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 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 [...]
