As complex as the water supply master plan for the Region of Waterloo might be, the staff update to Puslinch council failed to address a few key points – such as why the township was not included in a process that could affect local wells.
Waterloo Region engineer Jorge Cavalcante provided an extensive power-point presentation on Jan. 7 regarding the region’s water supply master plan.
He described the region as being a complex water system that includes four townships and three cities – an overall population of 553,000 that is expected to grow to 729,000 by 2031.
Cavalcante said Waterloo is served by an integrated urban system, 16 rural systems and a water supply that is 25% surface water and 75% groundwater.
In 2000, the first master plan was completed, which looked at the water supply potential for the next 50 years.
That plan was updated in 2007. Recommendations at that time included construction of new water storage facilities and development of new groundwater resources, as well as continuation of water efficiency efforts and a plan to construct a Great Lakes pipeline by 2035.
Cavalcante said the region’s goal is to update plans every five to 10 years “… or if something substantial happens.”
He noted that in 2007, the substantial change was the Places to Grow legislation, which included a more optimistic growth projection for the region.
In 2014, the region chose to re-examine the information from 2007. Cavalcante said since that time there has been declining water demands, despite the overall growth of the city.
At the same time, the region conducting a long-term sustainable water use study to ensure the region was not impacting other water uses in the area.
Cavalcante said water use in the region has dropped in part because of implementation of its water efficiency master plan and programs, refinements in the outdoor water use bylaw, reductions in intensive water use industries, more efficient appliances and fixtures, and a more water-conscious public.
Cavalcante said the other issue to be addressed is water use versus supply in different parts of the region. While Kitchener produces more water than it uses, the opposite holds true in Waterloo while Cambridge produces just slightly more water than it uses, Cavalcante said.
He explained the master plan has moved from growing to sustaining its water supply through optimization, rehabilitation or replacement of existing groundwater sources.
He noted the idea of looking at a Great Lakes pipeline has now been deferred past 2051.
“We don’t need the pipeline right now … maybe in 40 or 50 years … but not right now.” He said “instead of growing, we need to be more sustainable.”
In terms of the region optimizing, rehabilitating and replacing existing groundwater sources, Cavalcante agreed there is a Class Environmental Assessment for the Cambridge East area affecting the area near Puslinch/Townline Road.
An open house/information night on that aspect is planned for the spring, but the notice of completion of the master plan and public review lies ahead of that. That period was from Nov. 27 to Jan. 19.
Councillor Susan Fielding saluted the region on its water conservation efforts, stating, “I’m quite impressed with what you’ve been able to do.”
Councillor Wayne Stokley noted the township had recently gone through considerable work with the City of Guelph and its water supply master plan.
“We were actively involved in that master plan and we had delegations from this council make presentations.” Stokley added there was considerable resident participation in both Puslinch and Guelph.
“I can understand the need for the master plan, my concern is that looking at the information as it stands. There is an environmental assessment ongoing and it does affect areas of Puslinch,” Stokley said.
He added his understanding is those wells are included as part of the master plan even though the results of the environmental assessment have yet to indicate the potential ramification to residents in the area.
Cavalcante agreed. He said there are water treatment plants in Cambridge operating at below capacity. But he added the region may not need to use certain wells.
Stokley said the testing of the Cambridge wells did affect residents in Puslinch.
“I’m hoping that since your use of water has gone down, perhaps those (Cambridge) wells may not need to be used right away,” said Stokley.
But he also agreed that if a well is built it has to be used or it creates other issues.
“I feel you are putting the cart before the horse because the EA study is still going on, yet you are indicating that these wells are necessary in your master plan.”
Stokley said he would not want to see Puslinch residents lose their wells because of a draw down from a well in Cambridge. He told Cavalcante, “I really wish our township had been more involved from the very beginning.”
Stokley said looking at the list of stakeholders in the study, “We were never one of them, I don’t think we were ever approached.” He questioned why Puslinch was never made part of a process which will potentially affect the municipality.
He noted that sometimes it is difficult to predict whether or not one is a stakeholder without knowing potential plans.
“Water is the new gold and it is important. I understand that.”
Councillor Matthew Bulmer asked if there would be a benefit for the final EA report to be presented publicly to local residents. Staff believed it could be done in some fashion.
Bulmer said some of the rural concerns are not those of urban residents.
Mayor Dennis Lever said the presentation touched upon the issue of a notification and comment period. He said acknowledged the decision to extend the commenting period from 30 to 45 days, but opined that considering the holidays over that period, 45 days isn’t enough.
Lever suggested perhaps the commenting period should have been extended to 60 days.
Stan Denhoed of Stantec Consulting echoed the concerns of Stokley, noting the region’s two processes were happening at the same time. Denhoed also questioned the use of wells located near the edge of the Cambridge/Puslinch boundary.
“If they are counting on these wells, yet don’t even know they are going to be passed by an EA, I have a concern,” he said.
Officials stressed that Puslinch will be looking for answers to its concerns during the EA process.
