OFA has provided input to the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing (Local Government Policy Branch) for their consultation on the Province’s proposed framework governing communal drinking water and wastewater systems.

OFA strongly supports the explicit prohibition of private ownership in any new water and wastewater public corporation. However, OFA raises significant concerns about proposed regulation-making authorities that could limit or override municipal decision-making authority regarding the approval of non-municipal communal drinking water and wastewater systems.

Specifically, OFA is concerned that future provincial regulations may compel municipalities to approve applications that meet prescribed provincial criteria and conditions, including requirements related to land location and zoning. OFA opposes any removal of municipal discretion to deny permits and approvals.