Snow Disposal Facility Upgrade

completed

Most of Guelph’s drinking water comes from the ground. The City of Guelph’s existing Snow Disposal Facility (SDF) requires upgrades to meet provincial best-practices and ensure Guelph’s groundwater is protected. Improvements to the facility include an asphalt or clay base, drainage and settling ponds, fencing, and a separate entrance that can be locked during off-hours. An upgrade to the Snow Disposal Facility supports the Federal Government’s goal of fostering economic growth and a cleaner and healthier environment, the Province’s Source Water Protection legislation, and the City’s Groundwater Protection program by reducing the introduction of contaminants and silt from melting snow into water sources such as the Speed River and aquifers. The upgrade will bring the City into compliance with the Province’s best practices for the operation of a snow disposal facility and the improvements will enable more efficient operation while ensuring greater safety. The Snow Disposal Facility is used by City departments and third-party contractors for excess snow disposal and in the Spring for stockpiling street-sweepings until removal and disposal under approved contract. Given the proximity of the SDF to source water vulnerability in Guelph, staff determined that improvements to the site were necessary. The Ministry of Environment and Climate Change confirmed in 2015 that the City needs to upgrade its Snow Disposal Facility as soon as possible to meet the Province’s best practices.