Managing Infrastructure in our Community

Growth is part of our community’s future, and we’re planning for it carefully.

As North Grenville continues to grow, residents value both the character of the community and the benefits that thoughtful planning can bring, including housing options, jobs, and access to services.

At the same time, we must manage that growth responsibly. As demand on infrastructure and municipal services increases, we need to ensure our systems keep pace.

Our wastewater treatment facility is approaching capacity. That’s why we’re carefully managing development and investing in expanded infrastructure to meet current and future needs. This update explains where things stand today, what the Municipality has already done, and what comes next.

Every new home or business increases demand on the infrastructure that keeps our community running, including the sewage and wastewater system.

Our treatment facility continues to operate effectively, but capacity is limited. To protect public health and make sure our services remain reliable, we need to be cautious about approving new development until upgrades are in place.

North Grenville has been proactively managing wastewater capacity for several years. Here are some of the key steps we've taken:

A clear, fair policy
In 2020, the Municipality adopted the Water and Wastewater Allocation Policy (By-law 66-20) to help manage wastewater servicing requests.

• The policy helps staff prioritize development applications ready to move forward and offer strong community or economic benefits.
• Staff regularly monitor the progress of approved projects and reassign capacity if projects stall, helping to make the most of limited resources.

Reducing stress on the system
Each year, the Municipality invests in maintenance and repairs through our Inflow and Infiltration (I&I) program. This work reduces unnecessary flows to the treatment facility caused by things like:

• Leaking covers and frames
• Cracked or broken pipes
• Stormwater connections such as foundation drains, sump pumps, or eaves troughs

In 2025, Council approved $175,000 to support this work. Crews use cameras to inspect underground pipes, monitor flow, and repair or reline damaged infrastructure.

Expanding our wastewater plant
We’ve already begun work to expand the treatment facility and increase capacity in a phased approach.

• Once complete, the upgraded plant will better support our servicing needs.
• Phase A is expected to be completed in 2026 and is partially funded by the Province.
• Phase B will begin after Phase A, which is estimated to take 18 months to complete.
• These upgrades are essential to ensure the community is served safely and sustainably.

Working with the development community
The Municipality continues to work closely with developers to ensure they stay informed. We’re committed to open communication and making decisions that reflect community priorities and development realities. Please email This email address is being protected from spambots. You need JavaScript enabled to view it. for any planning-related inquiries.

We’re considering a temporary pause on some development within the urban service area.

To manage this transition, the Municipality is exploring using an Interim Control By-law (ICBL). It is a temporary planning tool that is commonly used for municipalities. It would:

• Pause certain types of development in serviced areas.
• Give staff time to review land use policies and infrastructure needs.
• Ensure capacity is available for projects that are ready to proceed.

Other Ontario communities, including Collingwood and Prince Edward County, have successfully used ICBLs to manage infrastructure challenges while developing long-term solutions.

ICBL’s can be in place for one year, with the possibility of a one-year extension, for a total of two years.

Before bringing any recommendations to Council, we will consult with local builders and share clear information with the community.

The Municipality is committed to delivering reliable services and making smart, forward-looking decisions that meet the needs of our community.

We’re taking steps now to:

• Protect public health and the environment.
• Use infrastructure responsibly and efficiently.
• Maintain high-quality services for residents and businesses.
• Keep the community informed and involved.

By acting early and planning ahead, we’re helping North Grenville remain a well-managed, resilient, and future-ready community.