Notice of Study Commencement

Schedule ‘B’ Municipal Class Environmental Assessment for Cobourg Water System Pressure Zone 3 Servicing

Cobourg, ON (February 12, 2026) – Lakefront Utility Service Inc. (LUSI) is initiating a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) to develop a servicing strategy for a new water pressure zone (Zone 3) in the northeast area of Cobourg.

Background

The Cobourg Water System Master Plan (2021) identified an area in northeast Cobourg that cannot be serviced from the existing water system due to its elevation. Ground elevations in the northeast portion of Cobourg are above 120m, which is the maximum elevation that can be supplied from Zone 2 of the existing system. The Master Plan identified the need to create a new pressure zone (Zone 3) to ensure future homes and business in this area will have reliable water pressure and fire protection. As growth continues in the Cobourg East Community Secondary Plan Area pressure Zone 3 will eventually supply a population of approximately 2,500 people.

The Study

This Study will evaluate alternative solutions for the provision of water servicing in Zone 3 with the objective of establishing a preferred strategy that balances natural, cultural, technical, and financial considerations.  More specifically, this Study will identify the preferred location and necessary capacity for a new Zone 3 booster pumping station, determine the need for water storage facilities in Zone 3 and identify key watermains.

Process

This project is being completed according to the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) process (Municipal Engineers Association, February 2024) which is an approved process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.

This Study is a Schedule B project under MCEA process, which means it involves moderate potential impacts on the community. Therefore, the process involves consultation and engagement with the public, agencies, local developers, and Indigenous communities along with the evaluation of different solutions to select a preferred option that balances environmental impacts, technical feasibility and long-term community benefit.

Two Public Information Centres (PICs) are planned to provide the residents and stakeholders with an opportunity to learn about the options being considered and share insights with the project team. PIC notices will be advertised in local publications and sent to the project mailing list.

Comments

You are encouraged to participate in the study and to provide comments in writing to the project team. If you wish to have your name added to the project mailing list or have questions about the study, please contact:

Information will be collected in accordance with the Freedom of Information and Protection of Privacy Act. Apart from personal information, all comments will become part of the public record. Project and notice information will be made accessible upon request in accordance with the Accessibility Standard for Information and Communication under the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act, 2005. This Notice was first issued on December 9, 2025.

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