Ingonish Wastewater Treatment System

Share Ingonish Wastewater Treatment System on Facebook Share Ingonish Wastewater Treatment System on Twitter Share Ingonish Wastewater Treatment System on Linkedin Email Ingonish Wastewater Treatment System link

For over 35 years, there have been discussions about building a Wastewater Collection and Treatment System in Ingonish. A study in 1990 showed that while the current sewage systems weren't causing major problems, the community needed better infrastructure to support future growth. This project will address those needs, create opportunities for growth and provide several important benefits for the community like:

  • Cost-effective alternative: Replacing aging or failing septic systems can be expensive. Property owners will now have a cost-effective alternative by switching to the new system.
  • Environmentally friendly: Unlike regular septic systems, a Wastewater Collection and Treatment System does a much better job of cleaning wastewater. It reduces pollution, protects waterways, and helps keep aquatic habitats healthy. While septic systems are only tested when they are installed, Wastewater Collection and Treatment Systems are checked regularly, which helps ensure better long-term environmental protection.
  • Job creation: During construction, this project will create job opportunities. Once operational, the plant will require 1-2 full-time employees. The project is also expected to support more commercial opportunities for the community.
  • Increased housing opportunities: This project will make it easier for more housing development to happen in Ingonish. By allowing larger lots to be sub-divided, more housing can be built in the community, creating more options for families, seniors and seasonal workers.
  • Economic development: Improved infrastructure will benefit the local economy by attracting new businesses and residents, leading to more investment in Ingonish.

For over 35 years, there have been discussions about building a Wastewater Collection and Treatment System in Ingonish. A study in 1990 showed that while the current sewage systems weren't causing major problems, the community needed better infrastructure to support future growth. This project will address those needs, create opportunities for growth and provide several important benefits for the community like:

  • Cost-effective alternative: Replacing aging or failing septic systems can be expensive. Property owners will now have a cost-effective alternative by switching to the new system.
  • Environmentally friendly: Unlike regular septic systems, a Wastewater Collection and Treatment System does a much better job of cleaning wastewater. It reduces pollution, protects waterways, and helps keep aquatic habitats healthy. While septic systems are only tested when they are installed, Wastewater Collection and Treatment Systems are checked regularly, which helps ensure better long-term environmental protection.
  • Job creation: During construction, this project will create job opportunities. Once operational, the plant will require 1-2 full-time employees. The project is also expected to support more commercial opportunities for the community.
  • Increased housing opportunities: This project will make it easier for more housing development to happen in Ingonish. By allowing larger lots to be sub-divided, more housing can be built in the community, creating more options for families, seniors and seasonal workers.
  • Economic development: Improved infrastructure will benefit the local economy by attracting new businesses and residents, leading to more investment in Ingonish.

  • Public Notice: Invitation to Comment

    Share Public Notice: Invitation to Comment on Facebook Share Public Notice: Invitation to Comment on Twitter Share Public Notice: Invitation to Comment on Linkedin Email Public Notice: Invitation to Comment link

    Invitation to Comment on the Ingonish Wastewater Treatment Plant

    Transport Canada’s Navigation Protection Program administers the Canadian Navigable Waters Act (CNWA).

    In accordance with requirements of the Canadian Navigable Waters Act, Leanne MacEachen hereby gives notice that an application has been submitted to the Minister of Transport for the following works.

    Common Project Registry Number: 13015

    Navigation Protection Program File Number: 2025–214942

    Project Description: Ingonish STP Outfall

    Worksite Location: Ingonish Harbour, Nova Scotia

    How to send comments:

    Comments about the potential effect of this work must be received within 30 days of this posting.

    We invite you to submit comments online through the Common Project Search site at: Common Project Search – Canada.ca. To do so, enter the registry number indicated above in the search box, and follow the instructions. Alternatively, comments can be mailed or emailed to:

    Navigation Protection Program – Transport Canada

    6th Floor-95 Foundry St
    Moncton NB
    E1C 5H7
    Canada

    NPPATL-PPNATL@tc.gc.ca

    Note:

    Please include the NPP file 2025-214942 in any mailed or emailed correspondence.

    • Comments will only be considered if they are in writing (electronic or mail) and received by the deadline. Transport Canada’s Navigation Protection Program may communicate with you to obtain additional information on your comments
    • Transport Canada does not publish comments submitted through the Common Project Search site or mailed to the Navigation Protection Program (see Common Project Search – Navigation Protection Program Registry). However, comments submitted online or by mail are considered public record. As such, they are subject to the Privacy Act and the Access to Information Act and are accessible through access to information and privacy (ATIP) requests. This means the information you provide should not contain confidential or sensitive information since it could be disclosed (see Make an access to information or personal information request).

    Posted on 06-19-2025

  • Ingonish Property Owner Survey Summary

    Share Ingonish Property Owner Survey Summary on Facebook Share Ingonish Property Owner Survey Summary on Twitter Share Ingonish Property Owner Survey Summary on Linkedin Email Ingonish Property Owner Survey Summary link

    In April 2025, the Municipality of the County of Victoria launched a second community survey to gather feedback on the proposed Ingonish Wastewater Collection and Treatment System. Surveys were mailed to all property owners in the potential catchment area and were available in both paper and online formats.

    This builds on an earlier survey conducted in 2024, which received 194 responses. For 2025, a total of 236 responses were recorded. This includes 167 new submissions and responses carried over from 2024 for property owners who did not submit a new response. Each response reflects one Property Identification Number (PID), except in cases of multi-unit residences where each unit with its own water and tax account was eligible to respond.

    2025 Results:

    • A total of 236 responses were counted

    • 92 respondents support the project

    • 63 are neutral or unsure but open to connecting in the future

    • 81 are opposed, often citing costs or recent septic system upgrades

    2024 Results:

    • A total of 194 results were counted

    • 68 supported

    • 58 were neutral or unsure

    • 68 were opposed


    Response Breakdown

    Response

    2024

    2025

    Change

    Yes

    68

    92

    24

    Maybe

    58

    63

    5

    No

    68

    81

    13

    Total

    194

    236

    42



    Key points:

    • Support has grown significantly: “Yes” responses greatly increased in 2025.

    • Many who were unsure in 2024 have shifted to support.

    • “No” responses rose slightly but over half came from land-only properties with no immediate connection need.

    Trends

    • Support was noticeably higher among business properties, particularly those impacted by tourism activity.

    • Long-term cost efficiency and potential economic benefits appear to be driving factors for business support.

    • A number of previously neutral respondents shifted to support in 2025, suggesting improved awareness or understanding of the project over time.



    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    number of comments, image icon 1 comment

  • Spring 2025 Property Owner Survey

    Share Spring 2025 Property Owner Survey on Facebook Share Spring 2025 Property Owner Survey on Twitter Share Spring 2025 Property Owner Survey on Linkedin Email Spring 2025 Property Owner Survey link
    supporting image

    Following the Community Information Session regarding the Wastewater Collection and Treatment System in Ingonish, Victoria County Council wants to regauge the level of interest among property owners in the wastewater system area.

    The Spring 2025 survey will help determine the final route of the Wastewater Collection and Treatment System. The route will be designed based on the positive responses we receive, those who respond “yes” will have a higher chance of being able to connect to the system.

    Do you own property in the area but haven't received a survey? Please contact us by email at info@victoriacounty.ca. Please note that only one survey per PID (Parcel Identification Number) in the catchment area will be accepted.



    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    number of comments, image icon 0 comments

  • Community Information Session - Part 1

    Share Community Information Session - Part 1 on Facebook Share Community Information Session - Part 1 on Twitter Share Community Information Session - Part 1 on Linkedin Email Community Information Session - Part 1 link


    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    number of comments, image icon 0 comments

  • Community Information Session - Part 2

    Share Community Information Session - Part 2 on Facebook Share Community Information Session - Part 2 on Twitter Share Community Information Session - Part 2 on Linkedin Email Community Information Session - Part 2 link


    You need to be signed in to add your comment.

    number of comments, image icon 0 comments
Page last updated: 23 Jun 2025, 01:36 PM