Niagara Irrigation Initiative
All Niagara Region projects

About the project

In Niagara, there is a pressing need for a communal irrigation system that can supply water to a range of agricultural operations. A need has been identified for a new piped system in the Lincoln / St. Catharines area below the escarpment and for upgrades to the existing open channel system in Niagara-on-the-Lake.

Several previous studies have been conducted to assess the necessity, feasibility, advantages and potential operation of these irrigation systems. Alongside preliminary design work, these studies have laid the groundwork for this project.

The project has two parts, both being done at the same time by Niagara Region staff on behalf of the Project Steering Committee:

• A feasibility, costing and preliminary design study for a new piped irrigation system in Lincoln and west St. Catharines below the escarpment
• Engineering work to support upgrades and enhancements to the existing irrigation system in Niagara-on-the-Lake

Niagara is one of only a few areas in Canada with climate and soil conditions suitable for high-value crops such as grapes and tender fruit. However, the impacts of climate change, including droughts, have shown the need for better irrigation systems across Niagara.

Past studies have found that there is significant room for increased yields of high-value crops in the region. But difficulties in getting irrigation water and capital funding to build water systems are holding back expansions.

Regional Council's Agricultural Policy and Action Committee set up the Irrigation Committee of the Whole. Its objective is to advance irrigation initiatives in the region. The Project Steering Committee, which is a subcommittee of the Committee of the Whole, was created to oversee the project directly. The Steering Committee is undertaking the project on behalf of the growers, producers, agricultural community and others who will benefit from new and upgraded irrigation systems. The Steering Committee includes the following members:

• Regional staff
• Grower and municipal representatives from Niagara-on-the-Lake, Lincoln and St. Catharines
• A representative from Grape and Tender Fruit Ontario Limited
• A representative from Regional Council
• Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and Canada Infrastructure Bank staff

• Feasibility, costing and preliminary design study

  The purpose of the feasibility, costing and preliminary design study is to build on previous irrigation work in Niagara. It will provide the Region, Steering Committee and the Irrigation Committee of the Whole with information about a potential piped irrigation system in Niagara between Beamsville and St. Catharines below the escarpment:

  • Recommendation for the most efficient, environmentally sound and cost-effective irrigation system. It has been confirmed that the project does not need an environmental assessment under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. However, an environmental assessment-style evaluation of source water and alignment options will be completed.
  • Preliminary design (10 per cent engineering design) of the preferred alternative. This includes a pipe network and design of source water options such as pumping station locations / requirements, intake design and property requirements.
  • Cost estimate study including design, capital, operation and life cycle costs
  • Comprehensive consultation and engagement program. This includes growers, interested parties, public, government and regulatory agencies, and Indigenous communities.
  • Consideration of next steps and implementation. For example, the next steps in design and construction and a possible phasing strategy that considers a logical buildout of the system and anticipated demand.
• Engineering work to support upgrades and enhancements to the existing irrigation system in Niagara-on-the-Lake

  Recognizing the role that the Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake's irrigation infrastructure plays in agriculture and tourism, the Town commissioned an engineering consulting firm in 2019 to prepare the first Irrigation System Strategy and Master Plan. The Master Plan was completed in 2021 and serves as a first step toward improving customer service, long-term growth and sustainability and keeping the Town's irrigation system in good repair.

  The next step in upgrading the existing irrigation system is to update and combine the Town's three irrigation system engineering reports based on the Master Plan. After this, engineering design drawings and tender documents will be prepared. A consultation and engagement program will also be part of this project.

  Region staff will work closely with Town staff and the Town's Irrigation Committee on this project.

• Funding

  The project is being funded by the following sources:

  • Canada Infrastructure Bank
  • Ontario Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness and the Government of Canada through the Sustainable Canadian Agricultural Partnership
  • Niagara Region
  • Grape and Tender Fruit Ontario Limited
  • Greenbelt Foundation
  • Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake
  • City of St. Catharines
  • Town of Lincoln
  • Grape Growers of Ontario
  • Ontario Tender Fruit Growers
  • Individual local Niagara greenhouse growers

Project timeline