Overview

Many years have passed since the Upper York Sewage Solution Environmental Assessment began and more information from technical and other experts is needed to better understand the significant environmental, technical, social and financial implications of any wastewater servicing solution for York Region.

The people of Ontario want confidence that our water resources are protected, now and into the future, by good decisions based on current information.

It has become clear that more information from technical and other experts is needed to better understand the path forward.

That is why the province is proposing legislation that would put a hold on any decision on the Upper York Sewage Solution Environmental Assessment application and plans to establish an Expert Advisory Panel to provide advice to the government concerning all options to provide additional wastewater capacity to accommodate anticipated future growth in York and Durham Regions.

We will continue to work closely with the Regional Municipality of York and Durham Region, municipalities and Indigenous communities to plan and implement this important work while protecting our vital water resources.

We invite feedback from the public, municipalities, indigenous communities and environmental groups on our proposed Act.

Proposal details

Proposed Legislation

If implemented, the proposed legislation would:

• Put a hold on any decision under the Environmental Assessment Act in respect of the application for the Upper York Sewage Solutions Undertaking that was submitted for approval by the Regional Municipality of York.
• Put a hold on any actions to advance the Upper York Sewage Solutions Undertaking.
• Allow the Lieutenant Governor in Council (LGIC) to repeal the provision that puts the application on hold.
• Prevent the commencement or continuation of any action or proceeding in respect of the enactment of the Bill.

Background

In 2009, the Regional Municipality of York (York Region) initiated the Upper York Sewage Solutions Environmental Assessment.

The purpose of the Upper York Sewage Solutions Environmental Assessment is to develop a sustainable sewage servicing solution for the upper York area.

In 2011, York Region determined that discharging treated wastewater to either Lake Ontario or Lake Simcoe were both viable alternatives that met the Region’s environmental assessment screening and would meet the Region’s wastewater needs. York Region decided to pursue the Lake Simcoe Innovative solution and submitted the EA focusing on Lake Simcoe.  No decision has been made on the application.  

Given the length of time that has elapsed, in early 2020 the government initiated a re-examination of the possible wastewater servicing alternatives for growth in upper York Region, including the previously envisioned conveyance of wastewater to the Duffin Creek Pollution Control plant.

Our next step in addition to this proposed legislation is to move quickly to establish an Expert Advisory Panel that will provide advice to the government about all options to provide additional wastewater capacity to accommodate anticipated future growth in York and Durham Regions.