Ottawa approves climate action, water and waste investment

To manage waste sustainably, the draft budget commits $40m in capital investments, including $25m for maintenance and development at the Trail Waste Facility landfill, such as preparing a new waste cell, expanding the gas collection system and repairing part of the landfill cap. It also includes $2m for Solid Waste Master Plan actions, which focus on waste reduction, enhanced education and strategies to extend landfill life.

Following council approval earlier this fall, residents will also see improvements like recycling and green bins in 48 new parks as part of efforts to divert waste from the landfill. Waste collection fees would increase by 10 per cent, in line with the council-approved solid waste long-range financial plan, and consistent with a cost-recovery approach.

The draft budget also invests in reliable core water services that residents use every day. It includes $305.5m in capital investments for drinking water, wastewater and stormwater systems. Key programmes include: 

• $24.5m for water pipe rehabilitation to prevent major breaks and extend system life
• $11.3m for upgrades to drinking water treatment plants
• $87.2m for rehabilitation work at Robert O Pickard Environmental Centre, Ottawa’s main wastewater treatment plant, including power supply upgrades 
• $36.5m to replace and upgrade drainage culverts, reducing flooding and improving long-term reliability
• $7.5m for the Wet Weather Programme, which manages flows to reduce flooding, prevent sewer overflows and improve climate resilience.

Water bills would increase by 4.5 per cent on 1 April, adding about $3.94 per month for an average household, in line with the Council-approved long-range financial plan and consistent with a cost-recovery approach.

Together, these investments demonstrate Ottawa’s commitment to sustainability and climate action

The draft budget also includes several continuous improvement initiatives designed to deliver efficiencies, modernise services and reduce administrative burden. Solid Waste Services will reportedly save $1.6m by redirecting leaf and yard material to the Barnsdale Facility, reducing contracted processing costs. Drinking Water Services will pilot artificial intelligence-based leak detection to identify undetected leaks and prevent major breaks.

Stormwater teams will use advanced computer simulations and drones to improve flood risk assessment and monitor slope stability. These initiatives will help optimise resources, improve service delivery and support cost-effective operations.