Current Studies/Projects
Below you will find information on the current status of studies in the Engineering and Operations department.
Downtown Community Improvement Plan
Nickel Street Storm Sewer Project
Meter Replacement Project
Important Reminder
Each property that has the meter replaced will receive a consumption/usage charge bill; there will be no fixed costs on this bill. The next regular three month bill will have the usual fixed costs and the consumption/usage on the new water meter.
Water Meter Replacement Program
In November 1993, the City of Port Colborne implemented a program of universal water metering on all services in the municipal distribution system. Prior to the water meter program, only certain industrial, commercial and institutional customers, including the bulk water haulers, (approximately 360 out of 6,000 connections) were metered.
The water meters selected were the best available technology at the time. Analog meters were paired with a remote touch pad reader, which was mounted on an outside wall of the property. This configuration enabled City staff to collect a meter read without having to enter the property, and the use of a handheld meter reading device eliminated any manual data entry by the meter reader. The meter reads were collected and stored electronically in the handheld reader and then uploaded into the City’s accounting software. This enabled Treasury to generate 6,000 water bills with little to no data manipulation.
Meter technology has advanced since the early 90’s, and as radio frequency (RF) meters became more affordable, the City purchased and installed RF meters in new homes and replaced any failed analog meters with RF meters. Before the meter project was initiated in January 2015, approximately 12%, or 750, of the City’s 6,000 water meters had been upgraded to RF meters. They were not installed in a specific location, but were scattered throughout the City.
There are no guidelines nor recommendations that dictate that water meters should be replaced at a certain age, as the accuracy and longevity of water meters is affected by numerous factors, including the water chemistry and the watermain materials. The American Water Works Association (AWWA) Standard recommends testing at least 50 meters on a regular basis and that the testing results, together with the availability and desirability of new technology (i.e. upgrading to RF meters to improve productivity) can be used to help decide when to replace water meters. The City tested over 170 water meters between 2013 and 2015 and these results indicated that approximately 40% were not registering accurately, indicating that the 20 year old meters had become unreliable, had outlived their expected life and needed to be replaced.
The City started a Water Meter Replacement Program in January 2016 and contracted Neptune Technology Group to install the newest generation R900i digital water meters at almost 5,200 properties at no charge to property owners. The majority of the meters that are being replaced were installed in 1994 and have surpassed their average 20 year life expectancy. By replacing the oldest water meters and upgrading components of newer (10+ years) meters to the newest technology, this will ensure accuracy in water billing, enhance meter reading efficiency and improve the availability of water usage data to the property owner. Under By-law 3151/22/95 it is mandatory for all property owners connected to the municipal water system to participate in the Water Meter Replacement Program.
The Program will be completed in stages throughout the City, with all meters anticipated to be replaced by the end of July. Please do not call to book an appointment until you receive the pamphlet from Neptune with your unique Reference Number.
Note that Neptune staff will be wearing a uniform with their company name clearly displayed, and will be driving a vehicle with a Neptune logo. Click on the link below for a picture of Neptune’s uniform. If someone comes to the door and asks to inspect the water meter, please ensure the individual either has Neptune or City identification. City staff will always be in a marked City vehicle and will have City-issued identification.
To ensure your water account is accurately updated with your new water meter information, you will receive a special water/sewer bill for the old meter that was removed from your property. This bill will be a consumption/usage charge bill only; there will be no fixed costs on this bill. Your next regular bill will be the regular three month bill with the usual fixed costs and the consumption/usage on the new water meter.
If you have any questions, please email meterproject@portcolborne.ca or call 905-835-2900
Please click on the links below to access additional information about how to read your new water meter and for project updates.
Project Updates
Letter to Homeowners – December 2015
East Side Employment Lands
The process to create additional Employment Lands within the City of Port Colborne began with a study in 2010. This study identified several parcels of land on the east side of the Welland Canal north of Second Concession Road. Of the several parcels identified, Site 4 contained City owned lands that are capable of being serviced for future industrial development.
AECOM completed a presentation of the preliminary design and developable lands at the January 26, 2015 Regular Meeting of Council.
Staff have been actively working with AECOM to finalize the Master Plan Project Report as well as the detailed design of the water and sanitary services for the area. The Draft Master Plan Project Report and 90% Detailed Design Drawings were reviewed by City Staff in March 2016. The Master Plan Project Report will be available for Public viewing later in 2016.
Notice of Completion January 19, 2017
Master Plan Project File Report January 2017 Vol 1
Master Plan Project File Report January 2017 Vol 2
Report 2016-212 Project Status Update Report December 2016
Report 2015-181 Progress Update October 2015
Report 2015-15 Progress Update January 2015
Report 2013-28 Site Servicing for Phase 1
Water Distribution System Infrastructure Needs Study
The City of Port Colborne is responsible for water distribution to approximately 19,200 residents. The City's current Water Distribution System Infrastructure Needs Study (WDSINS) was completed in 1996; the majority of the recommended capital upgrades have been implemented.
The City of Port Colborne initiated a WDSINS in 2012 that investigated alternatives for a long range capital and operating plan for the City's potable water distribution system.
Subsequently, a WDINS was budgeted for in the Financial Plan, and was budgeted to be completed every 5-6 years in the future. Undertaking an INS every 5-6 years will ensure that the most up-to-date information is available for the preparation of the Financial Plan (which has to be re-submitted with the license renewal every 5 years), and will result in more meaningful projections and expenditure forecasting.
The WDSINS provides the City with strategies necessary to manage infrastructure improvements and growth in the most effective and efficient manner. The study also identifies the individual projects required to complement these strategies, and prioritize these projects based on need.
The study was conducted in accordance with the Master Plan Approach of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) process.
The WDINS was completed in 2014. Engineering & Operations Department-Engineering Division Report 2014-31 was presented to Council in September 2014.
Report 2014-31 Water INS Update
Report 2012-08 Water INS Award
Notice of Public Information Centre
PIC Nov 24 2014
Notice of Study Completion
Storm Sewer System Infrastructure Needs Study
The City of Port Colborne covers an area of approximately 12,380 ha with a serviced area of 2,388 ha and a population of approximately 19,200. The City provides storm drainage through a network of storm sewers, ditches and municipal drains.
The City of Port Colborne initiated a Storm Sewer System Infrastructure Needs Study (SSINS) in 2012. The objective of the Study is to undertake a comprehensive analysis and review of the City's existing storm sewer network to identify existing and potential future deficiencies in the collection of storm water runoff and address storm water discharge quality.
The City is committed to developing a comprehensive plan that will incorporate all facets of the management, expansion and funding of the Storm Drainage System over a 25 year timeframe.
The Study provides the City with strategies necessary to manage infrastructure improvements and growth in the most effective and efficient manner. The study will also identify the individual projects required to complement these strategies, and prioritize these projects based on need.
The study was conducted in accordance with the Master Plan Approach of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) process.
The SSINS was completed in 2014. Engineering & Operations Department-Engineering Division Report 2014-32 was presented to Council in September 2014.
Notice of Public Information Centre
PIC November 24 2014
Notice of Study Completion
Final Report Storm Sewer System INS
CSO Management Plan (Inflow & Infiltration Reduction Program)
In conjunction with the Regional Municipality of Niagara, the City of Port Colborne is committed to reducing unnecessary sewage treatment costs, the potential for basement flooding, and combined sewer overflows, by reducing infiltration of storm water to the sanitary sewage collection and treatment system through its Extraneous Flow Reduction Program. It is estimated that the City spends approximately $ 1 Million each year treating storm water in the sanitary system. These costs are directly absorbed through the City's water and sewer rates.
Sewer Use By-Law
City of Port Colborne Council acting on recommendations from Senior City Staff recently passed a Sewer Use By-Law in support of the Extraneous Flow Reduction Program, making participation in the program mandatory for private property owners to allow City Staff, or those appointed by the City, to inspect private sewer services and private property for sources of extraneous flow. The purpose of the private service inspections is to assess the condition of the private sewer lateral on your property and determine if any repairs or modifications are necessary to disconnect any sources of rain water. Should the inspection indicate that repair work is necessary, financial assistance is available through the new Sewer Use By-Law , and is anticipated to be sufficient to cover most, if not all costs.
Extraneous Flow Reduction Program - Nickel Area and Omer Area
The City has completed the studies in the Nickel and Omer Areas. Recommendations from these studies will need to be budgeted in future years to begin addressing the items found. The studies concluded that both areas require upgrades to the storm sewers in order to redirect the sump pumps that currently discharge into the sanitary sewer.
The majority of the properties in the study areas were found to have grading that is not conducive to the discharge of sump pumps overland meaning that some type of other connection would be required to the storm sewer to facilitate the disconnection of the sump pump from the sanitary sewer.
In support of its commitment to reducing inflow and infiltration, the City passed a Sewer Use By-law (No.5228/134/08) mandating the disconnection of sump pumps, foundation drains and other such sources, from the sanitary sewer system. To encourage public participation in the program, the by-law includes provisions for financial assistance to complete the necessary repair or retrofit work. Participation in the I&I Program is mandatory.
Please contact Jim Huppunen, A.Sc.T. regarding the above project at jimhuppunen@portcolborne.ca or 905-835-2900 ext. 221
Nickel Area Inflow and Infiltration Reduction Program Final Report
Arena Pumping Station Study Area 
The Arena Area study is now complete. A final report was presented to Counil on November 28, 2011 noting that a successful reduction in extraneous flows was achieved. Cost savings in the Arena Area will amount to approximately $115,000 annually.
We would like to thank all residents in the Arena Area who have participated in this project.
Report 2016-09 Update January 2016
Report 2014-30 Update Nickel Area September 2014
Report 2014-29 Update Omer Area September 2014
Report 2012-3 CSO Management Plan Application for Funding
Report 2011-31 Award for Sanitary Lateral Replacements on First Avenue
Report 2011-19 Update on the Omer Pumping Station Area Extraneous Flow Reduction Program
Report 2011-17 Update on the Arena Pumping Station Area Extraneous Flow Reduction Program
Report 2011-07 Annual Water Quality Report for 2010
Report 2011-01 CSO 2011 Funding Application
Report 2010-21 Request to Proceed with Issuing Fines in the Arena Pumping Station Area
Report 2010-2 CSO 2010 Funding Application
Report 2009-51 Update December 2009
Report 2009-33 Award of Rehabilitation Work
Report 2009-08 Proposed Incentive Funding Etraneous Flows Source Removal
Report 2008-86 CSO 2009 Funding Application
Report 2008-80 CSO Management Plan Sewer Use By-Law Adoption
Report 2008-61 CSO Management Action Plan Proposal for Engineering Services
