Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association - News And Events

Fuel Escalation Initiative - URGENT - Your Attention is Needed!

2008-07-18T00:00:00Z

As previously announced, the OSWCA and GTSWCA are undertaking a joint study through the accounting firm KPMG in support of our efforts to persuade municipalities and property owners to include a fuel price escalation clause as a standard contract term for sewer and watermain construction work.

To address concerns about fuel consumption for sewer and watermain projects, we have developed an internet based confidential survey but we need all sewer and watermain contractors to enter the data. As of July 17, we have had zero responses from contractors. The sooner that contractor members enter their relevant data, the sooner we will have the results. Please complete the survey by no later than Wednesday, July 23, 2008. The survey is accessible without passwords via the internet at:

https://www.surveys.kpmg.com/mmi/2w6F94C/Link.html

We have established a 'Frequently Asked Questions' link on the survey form and will update it as needed. For any additional questions on this survey please contact the Association at 905-629-7766 or Simon Harding of KPMG on 416-777-8973.

Contractors should not think that the recent drop in fuel prices will remain. It usually goes up faster than it comes down. Please fill out the survey at your earliest convenience.

Lake cleanup viable if city handles runoff, minister says

2008-07-18T00:00:00Z

Toronto's contribution to Great Lakes cleanup could include a series of underground tanks to catch polluted storm water runoff before it ends up in the Don River and the Inner Harbour, long classified as a pollution hot spot, a water quality conference heard yesterday.

"We're working with the city on the environmental assessment for tanks to store and treat this storm water," Ontario Environment Minister John Gerretsen told a meeting in Toronto of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence Cities Initiative.

"I hope that 10 years from now we will see that this work, along with the repair of the combined sewers, has helped restore a clean and revitalized Toronto waterfront," he told the gathering attended by mayors from around the Great Lakes. (read more...)

http://www.thestar.com/News/GTA/article/462608

Torontoâs Aging Sewer and Storm Water Infrastructure Blamed for Recent Flood Damages

2008-07-10T00:00:00Z

TORONTO (July 10, 2008) – Recent heavy rains overwhelmed Toronto’s sewer and storm water system, causing massive flood damage in some areas of the city, because the infrastructure has not been upgraded for decades.

Toronto still has some 1,300 kilometers of combined sewers – systems that collect sewage and storm water in the same pipe. “This antiquated infrastructure is simply incapable of handling the volume, and in severe storms it backs up and floods homes, businesses and institutions,” said Frank Zechner, Executive Director of the Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association (OSWCA).

“Unless Toronto addresses this problem in a serious way, the situation is only going to get worse,” Zechner added. It is estimated that water damage to homes from a single storm in the GTA can exceed $250 million.

Sewers near Sunnyside overflowed during the storm this week, spilling sewage into the wading pool and into the pool building's basement. The beach is now closed as city workers test for E. coli and clean up the mess. St. Joseph’s Health Centre, a major hospital in Toronto’s west end, has had two basement floods that coincided with recent major rainfalls.

The Insurance Bureau of Canada has estimated that insurance companies pay more in claims for flood damages than for fire and theft combined, and it points to antiquated municipal infrastructure as the major cause of those damages.

“In Toronto, as well as a number of other urban centres in Ontario, the combined sewer systems were designed and installed 80 to 100 years ago,” Zechner noted. “They need to be replaced, and the sooner the better.”

Not only is the infrastructure being used far beyond its expected life, it is also being placed under increasing stress. New condos and townhouses are being serviced by the same aging pipes that were designed for smaller single family homes. More storm flow is going into the sewer systems as green spaces are replaced by wider roads, parking lots, paved driveways and patios.

“The other factor is climate change,” noted Zechner. “Certainly, rain storms have been more intense in recent years, and there is evidence to suggest that this trend will continue.”

OSWCA is calling on municipal governments across the province to put a higher priority on replacing combined sewer systems. Cash-strapped municipalities can find some of the revenue to replace these crumbling systems by moving to full cost pricing for water and sewer services, reducing water leakage rates, and establishing dedicated financial reserves for water infrastructure.

OSWCA is committed to the construction, rehabilitation, maintenance and expansion of Ontario's core water and wastewater infrastructure to ensure a plentiful supply of clean water and the preservation of our lakes and rivers. Established in 1971, the association represents over 700 companies within the sewer and watermain construction industry.

– 30 –

For more information, contact:

Frank Zechner
OSWCA
905-629-7766 (office)
416-319-2004 (cell)

City program to help homeowners replace lead pipes

2008-07-10T00:00:00Z

The city has given thumbs up to a municipal grant program that will help residents replace lead pipes in their homes.

The pilot program, which could help about 2,700 city households, was passed unanimously at this week's council meeting. Estimated cost is $200,000, which will come from the water treatment reserve fund.

Coun. Mark Littell said Wednesday that it's money will spent. "We want people to be safe," he said. (read more...) http://www.brantfordexpositor.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1107726

Ontario Provincial Bills Summary Report

2008-07-10T00:00:00Z

Government Bills

Bill 41 Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Speed-limiting Systems), 2008

(Minister of Transportation).

This Bill would amend the Highway Traffic Act to impose a new requirement on prescribed commercial motor vehicles (other than ambulances, police and other emergency service responders) to require the use of a speed-limiting system. Many of the details are not yet available as to weight limits or other criteria for ‘commercial vehicles’ and would be part of the yet to be published regulations. The Bill does not identify the maximum speed however it is believed to be set at 105 kilometres per hour.

· First Reading March 19, 2008.

· Second Reading May 13, 2008 and referred to Standing Committee on Justice Policy

· Received Third Reading June 16, 2008

· Royal Assent June 1, 20088

Bill 64 Cosmetic Pesticides Ban Act, 2008

(Minister of Environment).

This Bill would amend the Pesticides Act to prohibit the use and sale of pesticides used for cosmetic purposes. Subject to the regulations, exemptions would be available for golf courses as well as for protection of agriculture or forestry establishments and any specified uses for the promotion of public health or safety. It would come into force on the date on which it receives proclamation, suggesting that there would be a limited notice to retailers and wholesalers to reduce or eliminate inventories.

· First Reading April 22, 2008.

· Second Reading June 2, 2008 and referred to Standing Committee on Social Policy

· Received Third Reading June 18, 2008

· Received Royal Assent June 18, 2008

Bill 85 Photo Card Act, 2008

(Minister of Transportation).

This Bill would establish 3 kinds of photo cards, basic, enhanced and combined. The basic card would contain the holders name, photograph and other prescribed info. The enhanced would add citizenship and other prescribed information and would also include ‘security features that would allow its use for international travel. The combined photo card would also include an Ontario driver’s license. If you have a drivers license you must get the combined card. The Bill does not include any assurances or restrictions against the inclusion of arrest records, personal information, financial information or health information.

· First Reading June 3, 2008.

· Second Reading June 11, 2008 and referred to standing committee on General Government

Private Members’ Bills

Bill 6 Employment Standards Amendment Act (Wage Security), 2007.

(Paul Miller, NDP - Hamilton East – Stoney Creek)

Bill 6 would amend the Employment Standards Act to establish a new regulatory body to provide an alternate source of revenue for unpaid wages. Employers would be required to fund the program through mandatory premiums and file reports on wages paid and outstanding on a regular basis. A similar bill was introduced by Peter Kormos of the NDP in May 2006 but did not progress beyond first reading. Under this Bill, construction workers who are entitled to the protection of a lien under the Construction Lien Act would only be eligible for compensation if they have used their best efforts to preserve their lien claim.

· First Reading December 4, 2007

· Second Reading December 6, 2007 and referred to Standing Committee on General Government December 6, 2007.

Bill 40 Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Cellular Phones), 2008

(John O’Toole, Progressive Conservative -Durham).

This Bill would amend the Highway Traffic Act to prohibit the use of ordinary cell phones, blackberrys, pagers or other equipment while driving a motor vehicle on a highway. The exceptions would include authorized firefighters, police and paramedics. Hands free devices for cell phones and blackberrys would be permitted while driving.

· First Reading March 19, 2008

· See alternative Bill 73 which received first reading on May 7, 2008.

Bill 49 Employment Standards Amendment Act (Raising the Minimum Wage), 2008

(Ms. DiNovo, NDP -Parkdale-High Park).

This Bill would raise the minimum wage to $10.25 per hour as of July 1, 2008, $10.50 per hour as of January 1, 2009, $10.75 per hour as of January 1, 2010, $11.00 per hour as of January 1, 2011 and thereafter the minimum wage would be adjusted January 1 of each subsequent year based on changes to the Consumer Price Index published by Statistics Canada. Similar Bills were introduced by Ms. DiNovo in October 2006 and December 4, 2007.

· First Reading April 1, 2008. (carried)

Bill 57 Red Tape and Regulatory Review Act, 2008

(Mr. Randy Hillier, Progressive Conservative –Lanark-Frontenac-Lennox and Addington).

This Bill would establish a new standing committee to be known as the ’Red Tape and Regulatory Review’ committee. Any public bill that receives 2^nd reading would be referred to the committee for their review and report on whether the bill is necessary to achieve its purposes and if the bill imposes a regulatory burden on persons or bodies other than the public sector.

· First Reading April 14, 2008.

· Second Reading debated and lost April 17, 2008

Bill 73 Highway Traffic Amendment Act (Cellular Phones), 2008

(John O’Toole, Progressive Conservative -Durham).

This Bill is proposed as an alternative to Bill 40 which is by the same provincial member on the same subject matter. Bill 73 would amend the Highway Traffic Act to prohibit the use of ordinary cell phones, blackberrys, pagers or other equipment while driving a motor vehicle on a highway in certain areas such as school zones. As in Bill 40 there would be exceptions such as authorized firefighters, police and paramedics. Hands free devices for cell phones and blackberrys would be permitted while driving.

· First Reading May 7, 2008. (carried)

Bill 84 Occupational Health and Safety Amendment Act (Workplace Death, Critical Injury and Occupational Illness Registry), 2008

(Andrea Horwath, NDP –Hamilton Centre).

This Bill would create a registry accessible to workers and potential workers for the purpose of identifying health and safety risks associated with specific workplaces.

· First Reading June 2, 2008.(Carried)

Bill 86 Labour Relations Amendment Act (Replacement Workers), 2008

(Peter Kormos, NDP - Welland).

This Bill would restore the ban on hiring replacement workers that was in force until 1995, and would ban the hiring of replacement workers unless the strike mandate by the union was less than 60%. The employer would bear the burden of proof in most complaint scenarios.

· First Reading June 3, 2008 (Carried)

Bill 88 Fairness for Families Act, 2008

(Tim Hudak, Progressive Conservative –Niagara West - Glanbrook).

This Bill would amend the Income Tax Act to allow individuals and spouses to do an income split for their Ontario tax burden. The Bill would not allow income splitting on federal returns. The Bill would apply to regular, common-law and same sex spouses provided they are “cohabiting”.

· First Reading June 5, 2008.

· Second Reading June 12 Lost on Division

Regulations

Ontario Regulation 35/08 Workplace Safety and Insurance Act, 1997

Return to Work and Re-employment – Construction Industry

This is a new regulation, replacing the current 1992 vintage regulation for return to work obligations in the construction industry. Effective as of September 1, 2008, all construction contractors regardless of size, must provide available and suitable re-employment to the injured workers for a period of up to 2 years after the date of injury and for a duration of one year after the worker is medically able to perform the essential duties of the pre-injury employment. If such work is offered to the employee and the employee refuses, there is no continuing obligation upon the employer to find other positions or repeat the offer of employment.

Ontario Regulation 60/08 Ontario Water Resources Act

Lake Simcoe Protection

This is a new regulation that is linked to announcements from the Ministry of the Environment on February 13, 2008 restricting development in the Lake Simcoe water basin. The new regulation imposes new phosphorous restrictions on any sewage treatment plant that disposes of treated sewage into a surface water body in the Lake Simcoe water basin. The regulation not only sets the quantitative limits in terms of total kilograms during a 12 month period, e.g. 75 kg. of phosphorous per year from the Schomberg Water Pollution Control Plant , it prohibits the establishment of any new sewage treatment plants in the Lake Simcoe water basin prior to April 1, 2009. The regulation also imposes new daily testing and record retention requirements for phosphorous bearing discharges from the plants. The Regulation came into force on March 26, 2008.

Separation Anxiety; Combined sewer systems, separate sewer systems -- hard to know what's better, or right

2008-07-08T00:00:00Z

This one is hard to figure out.

By now, seems most everyone gets that the Ottawa River is in a bit of trouble.

After almost every rainfall, raw sewage and stormwater gets into the waterway because of the city's combined sewer system in the inner core. (read more...)

http://www.ottawasun.com/News/Columnists/Sherring_Susan/2008/07/06/6077701-sun.html

Thieves prepared to do some heavy lifting to make money on scrap metal

2008-07-03T00:00:00Z

They're hefty, awkward and probably worth just pennies a pound.

But the manhole covers disappearing at an alarming rate from Ottawa streets may be headed for the scrap metal pile, the latest casualties of a burgeoning metal theft market across the country, city officials fear. (Click on the link to read more...)

http://www.theglobeandmail.com/servlet/story/RTGAM.20080703.wManholes04/BNStory/National/home

The Liversidge e-Letter - A Renewed Conversation

2008-07-02T00:00:00Z

Please select the June 16, 2008 e-letter located below in Additional Files to read this newsletter.

Additionally, if you would like to view previous issues of this newsletter, please visit www.laliversidge.com.

news dev

2008-07-02T00:00:00Z

test

Sewage pipe from Simcoe to lake proposed; Public Meetings Will Be Held

2008-06-25T00:00:00Z

The county can expect public protest to its plans to build a giant sewer pipe that will run from Simcoe to Lake Erie, council was warned last night.

"It could have impacts on fishing grounds and recreational areas," said Norfolk's manager of public works Eric D'Hondt. (read more...)

http://www.simcoereformer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1078290&auth=Daniel+Pearce%2c+SIMCOE+REFORMER

$13 million needed to prevent sewage overflows

2008-06-16T00:00:00Z

Upwards of $13 million is needed in the coming years to ensure sewage isn't spewed into Niagara Falls waterways during heavy storms.

That's the finding of a study approved July 9 by Niagara Falls politicians, who were told by a consultant that although the city has done a lot of work on its sewer infrastructure, new developments such as housing and hotels to accommodate the millions of tourists who come here each year have put the city's stormwater system under "increasing stress" in recent years. (read more...)

http://www.thegrimsbylincolnnews.com/news/article/184032

Municipal leaders press minister for more infrastructure funding

2008-06-12T00:00:00Z

There were low expectations but a high demand from municipal leaders seeking a brief audience with Ontario Public Infrastructure Renewal Minister David Caplan in Brockville on Wednesday. (read more...)

http://www.recorder.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx?e=1071106&auth=Nick+Gardiner%2c+Staff+Writer

Raising a stink

2008-06-12T00:00:00Z

The massive dump of raw sewage into Ottawa's river system in 2006 has done the city a favour. It has shown how badly flawed our pipes and filtration plant are. (read more...)http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/views/story.html?id=5cd07634-40e6-4483-b633-54e4b37e53c6

Street is busy waterway with a buried problem

2008-06-11T00:00:00Z

A small water leak on Markham St. is becoming a big source of irritation for people living around it. (read more...) http://www.thestar.com/article/440946

Rivers flooded with Ottawa's sewage; Report reveals the equivalent of 265 Olympic pools was dumped in the Ottawa and Rideau in 2007

2008-06-11T00:00:00Z

The equivalent of about 265 Olympic swimming pools full of overflow sewage entered the Ottawa and Rideau rivers from the City of Ottawa during last year's above-average rainy season, according to a city report

The report, which was sent to Ontario's Ministry of the Environment last month and released yesterday, said an estimated 730,000 cubic metres of sewage mixed with stormwater overflowed from 18 pipes between April 15 and Nov. 15. That represents two per cent of all sewage in the part of downtown served by combined sewers. Elsewhere in the city, storm sewers and sanitary sewers are separate systems. (read more...) http://www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/story.html?id=5478dd28-852a-45e9-9942-eb4e0b07b288

Stolen Equipment Theft & Site Security Seminar

2008-05-22T00:00:00Z

Members of the OSWCA are invited to take part in this awareness seminar on Stolen Heavy Equipment Theft and Site Security which will provide assistance to our members as we enter into the heaviest part of the construction season.

Tuesday, June 10, 2008 - 8:30am - 11:00am

Courtyard by Marriott Brampton, 90 Biscayne Crescent, Brampton

This is a complimentary seminar to all OSWCA members. If you are interested in attending, please fill out the form below and return to the Association office.

Water must be protected, former ag minister says

2008-05-21T00:00:00Z

Local residents may not realize it, but every time they turn on a tap or flush a toilet they're tapping into an increasingly limited natural resource, says a former federal agriculture minister.

Local politician Lyle Vanclief sprinkled some alarming statistics on guests at a public forum on water last week. Read more - www.intelligencer.ca/ArticleDisplay.aspx

Open sewage pipe fouled Petrie Island beach; Councillors not told of malfunctioning sewer outlet for two years

2008-05-21T00:00:00Z

East-end city councillors are pleased by a partial explanation for high E. coli counts at Petrie Island Beach in 2006, but they are disappointed that it took municipal staff two years to tell tell them about it. Read more - www.canada.com/ottawacitizen/news/city/story.html

Old Water Pipes Need Repairs

2008-05-08T00:00:00Z

NEW YORK -- Two hours north of New York City, a mile-long stream and a marsh the size of a football field have mysteriously formed along a country road. They are such a marvel that people come from miles around to drink the crystal-clear water, believing it is bubbling up from a hidden natural spring.

Please click the attached link to read more: http://enr.construction.com/news/othersources/article.asp?SMDOCID=bhsuper_2008_04_12_TUL_0000-1865-KEYWORD_Missing&SMContentSet=0

List of Water Related Projects Announced as part of Ontarioâs 2008 Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative

2008-04-01T00:00:00Z

The Ontario government has announced one time grants for 60 water related municipal projects through the 2008 Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative ("MIII"). A list of these projects is posted on the OSWCA website.

The MIII was originally announced by the Provincial government in 2007 as a program for up to $300 million in one time municipal infrastructure grants. The grants would be based on a competitive application process under which municipalities researched and applied for prospective municipal infrastructure projects and the Province would determine which projects would receive some or all of the requested funding. In the face of a large number of applications totaling about $750 million, the Province announced in February 2008 that the $300 million MIII program would be topped up with an additional $150 million in grants, raising the total one time funding under the 2008 MIII program to $450 million.

The "winning projects" under the 2008 MIII program were announced on Friday March 28, 2008. There were 243 successful municipal infrastructure projects. The smallest project was $2,591.80 for fire hall renovations in Jogues township, a small northern municipality near Hearst, Ontario to the largest being a $20 million grant for an Ottawa library and archives complex. Sixty of the 243 projects were related to water, including various waste water treatment plant upgrades, sewer and watermain replacements and in one case, a reservoir dam repair. A full list of the successful projects will be posted on the OSWCA website and the water related projects have been separately highlighted.

The value of the 60 water related projects is approximately $141 million, or 31% of the funding available through the 2008 MIII program. That 31% water drops to less than 10% of municipal infrastructure funding in 2007/2008 if you factor in the $997 million announced shortly before the March 25, 2008. That $997 million was allocated as $497 million for public transit in the Greater Toronto and Hamilton Area, $400 million for roads and bridges in communities outside Toronto and $100 million for infrastructure investments to rehabilitate existing social housing units, including energy-efficiency improvements.

Ontario Sewer and Watermain Construction Association - News And Events

Fuel Escalation Initiative - URGENT - Your Attention is Needed!

Lake cleanup viable if city handles runoff, minister says

Torontoâs Aging Sewer and Storm Water Infrastructure Blamed for Recent Flood Damages

City program to help homeowners replace lead pipes

Ontario Provincial Bills Summary Report

Separation Anxiety; Combined sewer systems, separate sewer systems -- hard to know what's better, or right

Thieves prepared to do some heavy lifting to make money on scrap metal

The Liversidge e-Letter - A Renewed Conversation

news dev

Sewage pipe from Simcoe to lake proposed; Public Meetings Will Be Held

$13 million needed to prevent sewage overflows

Municipal leaders press minister for more infrastructure funding

Raising a stink

Street is busy waterway with a buried problem

Rivers flooded with Ottawa's sewage; Report reveals the equivalent of 265 Olympic pools was dumped in the Ottawa and Rideau in 2007

Stolen Equipment Theft & Site Security Seminar

Water must be protected, former ag minister says

Open sewage pipe fouled Petrie Island beach; Councillors not told of malfunctioning sewer outlet for two years

Old Water Pipes Need Repairs

List of Water Related Projects Announced as part of Ontarioâs 2008 Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative

Torontoâs Aging Sewer and Storm Water Infrastructure Blamed for Recent Flood Damages

List of Water Related Projects Announced as part of Ontarioâs 2008 Municipal Infrastructure Investment Initiative