Notice of completion: Bemis Park Elevated Tank Environmental Assessment in Welland

Niagara Region’s 2021 Master Servicing Plan found deficiencies in the pumping and storage capacities in Welland’s water distribution system. Niagara Region has also made a commitment to remove all multi-leg elevated tanks as they do not meet current building and seismic code.

 

With these considerations in mind, this study was started to support these recommendations and commitment by developing, evaluating and selecting a preferred storage facility site and transmission main route. The goal is to replace the existing Bemis Park Elevated Tank and optimize water servicing within the Welland water distribution system.

 

 

This study is being completed as a Schedule ‘B’ Class Environmental Assessment, satisfying Phases 1 and 2 of the Municipal Engineers Association Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process. This is a planning process approved under Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act. Two Public Information Centres were held on June 8, 2023 and Sept. 19, 2025 to share information about the study and encourage interested members of the public, local businesses and agencies to submit questions or concerns.

 

The study recommends a new preferred storage facility site located behind the existing City of Welland Fire Hall at 400 East Main St., Welland. This site was previously used for steel manufacturing before clearance. This preferred solution will include:

A project file report documenting the planning process and key elements of the preferred design is available for public review on the Bemis Elevated Tank Replacement project page for a 30-day review period starting March 17, 2026 and ending April 18, 2026.

 

 

If you have questions or comments, contact the project managers:

 

Senior Project Manager

Niagara Region

3501 Schmon Pkwy., PO. Box 1042

Thorold, ON L2V 4T7

289-696-1680

gordon.bell@niagararegion.ca

 

Consultant Project Manager

GEI Consultants Canada

1266 South Service Rd., Unit C31

Stoney Creek, ON L8E 5R9

905-643-6688

chcampbell@geiconsultants.com

 

In addition, a request may be made to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks for an order requiring a higher level of study (that is, an individual / comprehensive Environmental Assessment before the project can proceed) or for conditions to be imposed (for example, requiring further studies). Requests can only be made on the grounds that an order may prevent, mitigate or remedy adverse impacts on constitutionally protected Aboriginal and treaty rights. Requests on other grounds will not be considered.

 

Requests should include the requester’s full name and contact information.

 

Requests should specify what kind of order is being requested (for example, additional conditions or a request for an individual / comprehensive Environmental Assessment), how an order may prevent, mitigate or remedy potential adverse impacts, and any information supporting the request. This will help the Ministry begin reviewing the request efficiently.

 

Requests should be sent by email or in writing to:

 

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks

777 Bay St., 5th Floor

Toronto, ON M7A 2J3

minister.mecp@ontario.ca

 

Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks

135 St. Clair Ave. W 1st Floor

Toronto, ON M4V 1P5

eabdirector@ontario.ca

 

Personal information collected or submitted in writing will be collected, used and disclosed by members of Regional Council and Regional staff in accordance with the Municipal Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act (MFIPPA). The written submissions including names, contact information and reports of the public meeting will be made available.  Questions should be referred to the Privacy Office at 905-980-6000 ext. 3779 or FOI@niagararegion.ca.

 

If you need any accommodation for a disability to attend and participate in meetings or events, please let us know in advance so that arrangements can be made in a timely manner. Contact the Accessibility Advisory Coordinator at 905-980-6000 ext. 3252 or accessibility@niagararegion.ca.