Ministry of Infrastructure

Where we're at

Norfolk County is moving forward with urban boundary expansions that will add 1,354 acres of land across Courtland, Delhi, Simcoe, and Waterford. This expansion is intended to support a projected population increase of nearly 30,000 residents by 2051. Based on a 2021 growth study, the County is planning for an additional 294 acres of residential land and 129 acres of employment land to accommodate future housing and job needs.
 
Looking ahead, the expansion will require strategic investments in infrastructure, including upgrades to the water and wastewater systems. Port Dover, Simcoe, Waterford, Delhi and Port Rowan have independent water supply systems that require significant investments to accommodate the growing population. 

The inter-urban water supply program was designed to centralize Norfolk County’s drinking water and interconnect the systems for redundancy and flexibility to support growth.. Norfolk County is asking the Province how to break down this application for this project to be successful. Without financial support from the Province, Council recently directed staff to conduct a high-level review of a Plan B approach. A Plan B approach would require investing in five independent drinking water systems and sourcing additional groundwater wells for the projected growth areas of Delhi, Waterford and Simcoe. 

Norfolk asks that the Province:

• Provide guidance on how to structure and advance the inter-urban water supply application to improve chances of success.
• Support in navigating cross-jurisdictional coordination with Haldimand County.
• Consider a “Plan B” approach, including feasibility studies for the Bloomsburg Well.
• Assist in identifying which water treatment plant should be prioritized for upgrades based on growth projections and infrastructure conditions.
• Ensure infrastructure planning aligns with Norfolk’s approved urban expansion and population growth targets.