Repeated Wastewater Bypasses Raise Concerns in Fenelon Falls

DARRYL KNIGHT Local Journalism Initiative Reporter for The Standard

KAWARTHA LAKES: More frequent wastewater bypasses, in Fenelon Falls, are prompting renewed calls for action at the municipal level, with councillors asking staff to investigate additional ways to reduce overflows, before major upgrades are scheduled later this decade.

During a Committee of the Whole meeting, on May 5th, members received a memorandum from Mike Perry, requesting staff examine options for reducing bypasses, at the Fenelon Wastewater Treatment Plant, and return with recommendations by the end of the third quarter. This recommendation will be forwarded to Council for consideration at the next Regular Council Meeting.

In his report, Councillor Perry noted stormwater and snowmelt continue to place pressure on wastewater systems in both Fenelon Falls and Lindsay, contributing to bypass events at treatment plants. He said, the issue is becoming more urgent as weather patterns change and rainfall volumes increase.

“Water volume continues to increase, resulting in more frequent bypasses; three times in just over a month in Fenelon, as of the date of this memo,” Councillor Perry wrote.

The memorandum pointed out, sufficient upgrades and increased capacity for the wastewater treatment plants are not expected until 2031, leaving the municipality searching for interim measures, to reduce the amount of rainwater entering the sanitary sewer system.

Several steps have already been taken in Fenelon Falls, including: distributing free rain barrels to residents, connected to the sewer system; replacing aging sewers in the downtown core; and conducting studies to identify areas with high inflow and infiltration.

Council has also previously approved waiving building permit fees, for residents undertaking work to disconnect storm drainage from sanitary sewers, across the municipality.

Despite those efforts, bypass incidents have continued.

“Additional measures are required now,” Councillor Perry stated in the memorandum.

The report referenced municipalities, such as Greater Sudbury and Peterborough, as examples of communities with similar programs aimed at reducing inflow and infiltration into wastewater systems.

Councillor Perry also cited findings, from the City’s 2025 Water and Wastewater Servicing and Capacity Master Plan Study, which concluded, reducing inflow and infiltration, within existing sanitary sewer systems could help accommodate some future population growth, using current infrastructure.

Councillor Perry noted, the City’s Director of Engineering and Corporate Assets, Director of Public Works, and Manager of Water and Wastewater had all been consulted on the issue.

If approved by Council, at its next regular meeting, staff will begin examining potential options and are expected to report back later this year with recommendations, aimed at reducing bypass events at the Fenelon Wastewater Treatment Plant.