FAQs
What’s happening at the Ajax Water Supply Plant (WSP)? What does the Notice of Class Environmental Assessment (EA) Addendum Study Commencement mean?
The Regional Municipality of Durham (Durham Region) owns and operates the Ajax WSP. With significant population growth planned in Durham Region, additional water supply is required to meet growth needs. The Region is updating its environmental assessment (EA) for the Ajax WSP to find the preferred way to expand the water supply.
The original EA study from 1991 concluded that the Ajax WSP needed to be expanded to meet growth needs and that the expansion could be done at the current location. This update will follow the latest guidelines from the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks. It will include new population and water use forecasts, identify necessary upgrades, and assess the impacts on technical, environmental, archeological, social, and financial aspects. The goal is to ensure the water supply continues to meet the community's needs in a cost efficient and environmentally sound way, while also providing clean and safe drinking water to citizens.
The Notice of Class EA Addendum Study Commencement indicates the official start of the EA Addendum public and Indigenous Community consultation process.
Where is the Ajax WSP located?
The Ajax WSP is located on the shores of Lake Ontario, east of Harwood Avenue South, at 75 Lake Driveway East, in Ajax, Ontario. The WSP is bordered by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority lands to the west and east, Lakeshore Drive East and a residential area to the north, and the Waterfront Trail and Lake Ontario to the south.
How is water currently treated at the Ajax WSP?
The Ajax WSP takes water from Lake Ontario and treats the water through chemical and physical treatment. The treatment processes remove any biological, organic or inorganic matter from the water, before pumping the clean water to residents through the distribution system.
For further information on water treatment at the Ajax WSP please refer to:
About Water - Region of Durham.
Why is the upgrade and expansion of the Ajax WSP necessary?
The upgrade and expansion of the Ajax WSP is necessary to meet the demands of a growing population. Additionally, since competition of the original EA in 1991, there have been advances in technology, changes to the environmental setting and the community surrounding the WSP, as well as legislative changes. These changes are being considered in the development of the preferred means of upgrading and expanding the WSP, ensuring the plant continues to meet treatment requirements, while protecting the environment and community.
What is the timeline for the renovation and expansion project?
Durham Region’s goal is to complete the EA and continue into detailed design and construction. The detailed design stage is estimated to be completed by approximately 2028, with construction anticipated for 2031. Since this is a multi-year project, deadlines are subject to change as the project progresses.
How will the project be funded?
The expansion of the Ajax Water Supply Plant (WSP) is financed by development charges, which are fees collected from new developments in the area. Durham has allocated funds for this project in its approved budget as part of the Annual Business Plans. The funding for an expansion project like this, is different from routine upgrades to maintain existing facilities, including the Ajax WSP and other Regional water supply plants. Routine upgrades are covered by user fees and would not be included in the Ajax WSP expansion project.
How will the upgrade and expansion impact residents and businesses?
There may be short-term impacts during construction associated with noise, dust, visual obstructions, increased traffic and/or detours, and limited access to certain parts of the trail near the construction area.
Throughout the Class EA, design and construction phases, the Project Team will consider and select design concepts and mitigation measures to minimize construction impacts to the nearby area while also providing safe, reliable drinking water for residents. The public, rights holders and stakeholders will be consulted with and have input into the appropriate measures for reducing impacts to the environment and community through the EA process.
Further details and notices will be made available as the project progresses. If you wish to receive project notices during the Class EA, please notify the Project Team by email at ajaxwspproject@durham.ca to be added to the contact list.
Are there any environmental considerations or energy-efficient features being addressed in the project?
Yes. Various studies are underway to identify the natural, cultural and social features in the area to determine the best means of reducing risks to these features. In developing the concept for expanding the Ajax WSP, technologies to increase energy efficiency and decrease greenhouse gas emissions will also be considered, including selecting energy-efficient equipment, installing water-reduction features, using passive ventilation and daylighting, and using recycled materials. A landscape plan that provides water-efficient and natural features as well as adequate buffer zones will also be developed.
How can the public stay informed about the progress of the upgrades and expansion, or express concerns about the project?
The public and other stakeholders can stay informed about the project and provide comments and questions through this website. All comments will be taken under consideration, and responses will be provided as necessary during the EA Addendum process.
What upcoming consultation events are planned during the Class EA Addendum process?
A Public Open House is planned for 2025, which will provide further detail and progress updates on the Class EA. Future notice regarding the date and time of the virtual Public Open House will be issued as more information is available.
An Environmental Study Report (ESR) will document the Class EA process, findings, evaluation and decisions. The ESR will be made available for a minimum of 30-day public review period when the Class EA process is complete. Further information will be made available regarding the ESR in a future Notice of Completion.
We want to hear from you. Contact the Project Team through the Region website for future project notices or to provide comments and questions.