Public Hearing Summary: Wastewater Bylaws

Posted on:
July 3, 2026

Council recently held a public hearing on the Wastewater Bylaw and Wastewater Rates and Charges Bylaw.

Residents attended the hearing in person and submitted questions and comments in writing. While the questions covered a range of topics, most focused on five key areas.

1. Will I have to connect to the wastewater system?

For existing properties with functioning septic systems, connection remains voluntary.

The Rates and Charges Bylaw states that existing property owners are not required to connect to the wastewater system. The Municipality retains authority to require a connection only in exceptional circumstances involving public health or environmental protection. Existing property owners also retain the option of repairing or replacing their on-site sewage disposal system, where permitted under applicable provincial regulations.

2. Will I be charged if I don’t connect?

No.

Under the bylaws, only connected properties are subject to wastewater charges. The Municipality has not proposed and is not considering frontage fees or availability charges for properties that choose not to connect.

Any future proposal of that nature would require separate Council consideration and a public bylaw process.

3. What am I responsible for?

Property owners are responsible for the private service connection (lateral line) serving their property.

The Municipality is responsible for the wastewater treatment plant and municipal sewer mains.

Property owners are not responsible for failures of the treatment plant or municipal sewer main infrastructure.

4. Can the Municipality enter my property?

The bylaw contains inspection provisions that allow the Municipality to investigate complaints, inspect connections and protect the wastewater system.

Inspectors must identify themselves, provide reasonable notice, and conduct inspections at reasonable times. Property owners also have the ability to request a review of enforcement orders through the CAO.

Emergency powers are limited to situations where immediate action is required to protect public health, the environment or the wastewater system.

5. Who carries the financial risk?

The Municipality carries the financial risk associated with the wastewater system.

The first phase of the wastewater system in Ingonish is operational and currently serves commercial customers. A temporary reserve transfer is being used to cover start-up costs while the customer base grows. This does not impact the Municipality’s operating budget or general tax rate.

Council has also committed to reviewing wastewater rates annually and exploring options to assist lower-income households who want to connect.

Read the written submissions and responses: Wastewater Bylaws Q&A

Why These Bylaws Are Needed

The bylaws establish the rules needed to operate, maintain, protect, and fund Victoria County’s first municipal wastewater system.

Phase 1 of the Ingonish Wastewater Collection and Treatment System is now operational and like any municipal utility, the system requires bylaws to establish rates, define responsibilities, protect public infrastructure and ensure compliance with environmental regulations.

Phase 2, which would extend service to local homes and businesses, remains in the design stage. Public engagement will continue as the project progresses and residents will have opportunities to provide input as plans are refined. As the wastewater system evolves, Council may amend the bylaws in the future, which would require the same public bylaw process and provide additional opportunities for public participation.

Bylaws Approved by Council

Following the public hearing, Council approved Second Reading of both the Wastewater Bylaw and the Wastewater Rates and Charges Bylaw.

Council thanks everyone who participated in the public hearing process, including those who submitted written questions and comments and those who attended in person.

Watch the public hearing recording on our YouTube channel: https://www.youtube.com/live/hhr3LvgOvAQ

Related Links

Wastewater Rates and Charges Bylaw

Wastewater Bylaw