Notice of Commencement: Port Elgin Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) Upgrades & Expansion

Schedule “C” Class Environmental Assessment

The Town of Saugeen Shores invites you to engage with us as we evaluate ways to expand the Port Elgin Water Pollution Control Plant (WPCP) located at 123 Lehnen Street, Saugeen Shores, ON. The Port Elgin WPCP services the community of Port Elgin which is the largest urban community in Saugeen Shores. The Town of Saugeen Shores’s 2020 Masterplan studies have identified the need for a Schedule “C” Class EA to review alternatives for the Port Elgin WPCP to meet the future 2053 capacity needs for treatment of sanitary sewage generated in the community of Port Elgin.   

The Town of Saugeen Shores has retained Ainley Group to complete this Schedule “C” Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA).  The study team will evaluate the current capacity of the Port Elgin WPCP, identify and review various alternatives to increase the capacity to accommodate existing flows, plus future growth of the Port Elgin community through the next 30 years.  This Notice initiates the beginning of the Class EA process.  The study involves plant capacity assessment, identifying hydraulic issues, and solutions to hydraulic issues, conducting background investigations including natural heritage, natural environment assessment, and archeological assessment.   

This Class EA process will follow the planning and design process for Schedule “C” projects as described in the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Document (October 2000 as amended in 2007, 2011, 2015, 2023, & 2024), published by the Municipal Engineer’s Association.  The Town recognizes that public consultation will be a key component of this Class EA and as such an extensive public consultation process will be arranged.  The consultation process will include a project webpage, Public Information Centers (PIC’s), newspaper advertisements, postings on the Town’s website and updates to Council throughout the completion of the Class EA Study. Visit the project page to follow the project and learn about engagement opportunities. 

www.engage.saugeenshores.ca/WPCP 

If you would like to be placed on the mailing list to receive all future notices related to this Class EA, please send your contact information to either of the contacts listed below.

Colin Saunders, Project Manager, 
Town of Saugeen Shores 
600 Tomilson Drive, Box 820
Port Elgin, ON, N0H 2C0
Email: colin.saunders@saugeenshores.ca   

Meseret Aniye, P. Eng., PMP  Project Manager
Ainley & Associates Limited
280 Pretty River Parkway
Collingwood, ON, L9Y 4J5
Email: meseret.ainiye@ainleygroup.com   

This notice was issued on March 7, 2025. 

Comments and information regarding this project are being collected in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act for the purpose of meeting environmental assessment requirements.  With the exception of personal information, all comments received will become part of the public record.