Should Septic System Oversight Move from Health Units to Municipalities in Northern Ontario?
Official title: Proposed administrative changes to Ontario's Building Code related to the transfer of enforcement authority of on-site sewage systems, and a proposed technical clarification.
Ontario wants to shift who enforces septic system rules in parts of Northern Ontario. Right now, the North Bay Mattawa Conservation Authority and Sudbury Health Unit handle permits and inspections for 11 townships. Under this proposal, each municipality would take over that responsibility instead.
Why This Matters
Building a home or cottage in these townships? This could speed up your septic permit. But if you're in a neighbouring area that stays under the Health Unit, your fees might go up to cover the lost revenue.
What Could Change
Municipalities like Perry, Seguin, and Armour would issue their own septic permits instead of going through the Conservation Authority. A technical fix would also clarify pipe sizing rules for shallow septic trenches, potentially saving homeowners money on pump equipment.
Key Issues
- Should septic system enforcement transfer from the Conservation Authority and Health Unit to individual municipalities?
- How will remaining ratepayers be affected if costs increase after municipalities leave the Health Unit system?
- Should pipe sizing requirements for shallow buried septic trenches be clarified?
How to Participate
- Review the proposal details on this consultation page to understand the three proposed changes.
- Submit your feedback using the Comment on this proposal form by the deadline.