Should a Bulk Water Company Get a 10-Year Permit to Take Water from 38 Lakes and Rivers?
Official title: 1078815 Ontario Inc. - Permit to take water
A company wants to renew and consolidate eight existing water-taking permits into one 10-year permit. They'd draw water from 13 lakes and 25 rivers across the Kawartha Lakes, Peterborough, Durham, and Northumberland regions for commercial bulk water sales. The Ministry has classified this as a Category 1 permit, meaning lower risk of environmental impact.
Why This Matters
Live near Rice Lake, Chemong Lake, or the Otonabee River? This permit could affect water levels in your area. Cottage owners, anglers, and anyone who relies on these waterways for recreation should pay attention. The company could take up to 454,600 litres per day from some sources.
What Could Change
If approved, the company gets a single 10-year permit to draw water from 38 different water sources across central Ontario. That's up to 454,600 litres daily from major sources like Rice Lake and the Otonabee River. The permit would run year-round through 2036.
Key Issues
- Should the company be allowed to consolidate eight permits into one?
- Are the proposed water-taking volumes sustainable for these lakes and rivers?
- Is a 10-year permit term appropriate for commercial water sales?
How to Participate
- Review the permit details on this consultation page to understand the proposed water takings from each source.
- Submit your comments through the Environmental Registry by the February 15, 2026 deadline. You can also email enviropermissions@ontario.ca.
Submit Your Input
Questions Being Asked (3)
- Do you have concerns about water levels in any of the 38 water sources listed?
- What impacts might commercial water taking have on local ecosystems or recreational use?
- Is a 10-year permit term appropriate for this type of water taking?