As Guelph moves to review and expand its water supply, it may be looking south to do it.
On June 5, Puslinch councillors briefly reviewed city correspondence regarding Guelph’s water supply master plan and class environmental assessment.
The city is updating its water supply master plan to define how it will continue to access a sustainable supply of water for residential, industrial, commercial and institutional (ICI) use over the next 25 years.
While the existing water supply fulfills the city’s current needs, the master plan looks toward future growth and will make recommendations on that.
The intent is to provide short-term to long-term needs as well as options to meet those requirements.
When investigating existing and new water supply options-like new groundwater sources in and outside of the city and local surface water sources, the plan will consider the quality and quantity of the water source, the potential impacts on the environment or on existing water supplies, and all relevant regulations.
“In keeping with the 2007 Water Supply Master Plan, any development of water supply options outside of the city will only be considered with the cooperation and participation of the county and the relevant township,” city correspondence stated.
Two community forums and two municipal and agency forums are also planned so that community members and agencies and municipal representatives can learn more about the city water supply system and services, and provide thoughts on how Guelph can best maintain a sustainable water supply.
Key aspects of plan
A community liaison committee would provide guidance on key aspects of the master plan update and the class EA including:
– issues and opportunities to be addressed;
– alternative supply solutions to be assessed;
– evaluation method and criteria to be used; and
– preferred alternatives and the go-forward strategy.
The committee will consist of up to 20 people with membership drawn from a cross-section of the community to provide a broad and balanced perspective.
Mayor Dennis Lever explained that Guelph is looking for a member of council to be part of the community liaison committee.
He added there was a meeting with Guelph representatives at the Puslinch office, and the request was part of the follow-up to that meeting.
Councillor Wayne Stokley put his name forward to be part of the committee.
He also asked if there was a way to find out when the meetings are being held – because of potential conflicts with other meetings or plans.
Stokley then asked if someone could fill in if he could not attend on a specific night.
“I’d be willing to stand in if you can’t make it,” Lever offered.
Lever noted that when the Guelph representatives met early with the CAO and himself, there was discussion about the possibility of a new well in the township.
Wellhead protection
Lever added the idea was that meetings would begin in the near future – but there was no schedule he was aware of.
Stokley said his involvement in the wellhead protection committee and other groups involved in water issues, “is in line with issues I am aware of.”
Council accepted the correspondence.
