Water, Wastewater and Transportation Integrated Master Plan

Protection of the natural environment and Natural Heritage System is a key consideration and will be prioritized as part of development of servicing strategies and within the evaluation criteria for selecting the preferred solutions.

The IMP will be a living document and will be responsive to growth priorities, changing standards, guidelines and advances in technology.

The IMP is being planned under the current Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process, which is an approved process under Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act. Development of the plan and strategies will draw upon the most current standards, guidelines and best practices in water, wastewater and transportation infrastructure planning. For example, the recent update of the Ontario Traffic Manual (OTM) Book 18 will be considered in the development of the active transportation infrastructure network improvements.

The Region will consider all feedback and comments provided through the development of the plan and strategies. For example, based on feedback received, the Region has updated the Project Vision and Considerations, as follows:

Vision Statements:

• General: Building a safe, equitable and sustainable future for the Region's Water, Wastewater and Transportation systems through responsible and proactive planning.
• Water & Wastewater: Planning for a future Regional water and wastewater system that is safe, efficient, resilient and prioritizes the environment.
• Transportation: Planning for a future multi-modal Regional transportation system that is safe, continuous, and connected across Halton region to support all modes of travel, all users and all abilities.

Considerations:

• Equitable Infrastructure Services: Provide for water and wastewater services in urban areas and access to multi-modal Regional transportation infrastructure (including active transportation, transit and auto).
• Safe and Healthy Communities: Support healthy and active lifestyles and community well-being. For example, the provision of active transportation infrastructure and the provision of safe drinking water.
• Sustainability: Balance social, environmental and economic goals to support growth in a sustainable manner.
• Climate Change: All phases of Regional water, wastewater and multi-modal transportation infrastructure planning must recognize and incorporate climate change.
• Communication and Consultation: Ensure the IMP process and strategies are clearly and openly communicated and consulted on with stakeholders.
• Integration of Planning for Regional Infrastructure: Ensure a coordinated approach to implementation of Regional water, wastewater, and multi-modal transportation infrastructure.
• Technical Innovation: Include innovation in the development of Regional water, wastewater and multi-modal transportation infrastructure strategies.

The systems are operated separately, Halton Region owns and operates the wastewater system, and the Local Municipalities own and operate the local stormwater system. This means that stormwater runoff and wastewater generated by homes and businesses are conveyed and managed separately.

The Integrated Master Plan will review options for region-wide water supply. The long-term water supply must support the existing service areas and projected growth in both the groundwater and lake-based service areas.

Active transportation (cycling and walking) is a priority to support a safe and efficient multi-modal transportation network. Provision of a well-connected active transportation network will be key. Key considerations in developing the active transportation network will include:

• prioritization of safety and user needs;
• maximization of corridor space;
• opportunities to remain dynamic;
• connection to local municipal networks;
• coordination with transit and network continuity; and
• active transportation crossings at Ministry of Transportation infrastructure.

The Vision for transportation is to plan for a future Regional transportation system that is safe, continuous, connected and coordinated for users of all abilities. This will include providing a multi-modal transportation system (e.g., choices for active transportation, transit and auto) for all road users. Transit and active transportation will be key considerations.