What is this Project?

The Ajax Water Supply Plant (WSP) Expansion Project will involve the expansion of the existing Ajax Water Supply facility to meet the current and future needs of residents in the surrounding neighbourhoods and communities. The vision of the project is to continue to supply safe, reliable drinking water to residents and businesses in Ajax and Pickering, and support projected growth to 2051.

Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA Addendum)

The Region of Durham has initiated a Class EA Addendum study to identify a preferred alternative to expand the Ajax WSP to accommodate increased system demand as a result of community growth.

The Ajax WSP Class EA Addendum will identify future water supply needs, examine alternatives to renovate and expand the existing facility to meet these needs and select a preferred alternative which minimizes risk to the community and environment.

The project supports the Region’s commitment to service excellence in high-quality treated water supply and availability for the Ajax/Pickering and Whitby/Oshawa/Courtice Water Supply Systems.

This Class EA will be an Addendum to the previously completed 1991 Class EA. It will include the preparation of an Environmental Study Report (ESR) Addendum Report, to document current existing and known social, ecological & technical conditions. The purpose of the Addendum will be to update the preferred approach for the expansion as it was described in the 1991 Class EA and confirm a new preferred approach consistent with the current Class EA requirements. Further information about the Class EA Addendum process can be found in the FAQ section.

Ajax Water Supply Plant

Community Engagement

Community engagement is one of the foundational pillars of the Ajax WSP Expansion Class EA Addendum study. Everyone is encouraged to participate.

The public will have the opportunity to provide their feedback on the proposed Ajax WSP Expansion Project during a Public Information Centre (PIC). This event is designed to inform interested parties about the project details, including the planned renovations and how they aim to meet the increased demand for safe drinking water. Attendees will be able to ask questions, share their concerns, and offer suggestions on synergies and collaboration opportunities between the project and community needs.

Indigenous Engagement

Communication and engagement with Indigenous communities, our rightsholders, is of the utmost importance to the Region and will form an integral part of the Ajax WSP Expansion Class EA Addendum study. All Indigenous groups are encouraged to take part, ask questions, share traditional knowledge, and input regarding the project. The project team acknowledges that the land of the Ajax WSP is the traditional territory of the Anishinaabe Mississauga, adjacent to the Mississaugas of Scugog Island First Nation and in the territory covered by the Williams Treaty.

What's Happening

• Commencement of Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA Addendum)
• Public Information Centre (PIC)
• Share Conceptual Site Expansion Plan (updated based on public input)
• Submission of Class EA Addendum
• EA Addendum Approval
• Proceed to Design and Construction

Get in touch

For more information, to direct a question to the project team or to be added to the mailing list for the Ajax WSP Expansion project, please email ajaxwspproject@durham.ca.