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The City of Port Colborne is inviting residents, businesses, and other community members to learn more about a proposed City-owned Municipal Services Corporation and provide feedback through a series of public engagement opportunities taking place between today and July 8. 

The engagement follows Council's receipt of a draft business case examining the potential creation of a City-owned Municipal Serviced Corporation focused on water, wastewater, and stormwater services.  

Port Colborne residents currently pay some of the highest water and wastewater rates in Niagara Region and among the highest rates in Ontario.Port Colborne’s water and wastewater infrastructure is old and in need of repair or replacement. A Municipal Services Corporation would create a structure that falls under different rules and regulations for borrowing capital and would enable the City to secure the funding it needs to address these infrastructure deficiencies.  

A Municipal Services Corporation is a corporation wholly owned by a municipality that can be used to maintain and deliver municipal services and infrastructure. Municipal Services Corporations are commonly used across Ontario, such as in municipalities like Innisfil and Collingwood, to manage and deliver services such as water and wastewater, energy, broadband and economic development initiatives.  

The City of Port Colborne is exploring theMunicipal Services Corporation model to manage City-owned water, wastewater, and stormwater infrastructure, and potentially increase its capacity to finance major infrastructure projects, improve long-term financial sustainability, support future growth, and maintain reliable water, wastewater and stormwater services for residents and businesses. 

"Water, wastewater and stormwater services are among the most important services the City provides, and the decisions we make today will have an impact for decades to come," said Mayor William Steele. "Council has asked staff to explore whether a City-owned Municipal Services Corporation could provide a better way to finance and manage these services while maintaining public ownership and accountability. Before any decisions are made, we want to hear directly from residents and ensure they have an opportunity to learn about the proposal, ask questions and share their perspectives." 

The draft business case examines a range of financial, operational, governance, legal and regulatory considerations related to the potential establishment of a City-owned Municipal Services Corporation. It has been prepared to help residents, businesses and other community members better understand the opportunity, as well as the potential benefits, risks and implementation considerations associated with the model. It is intended to support community discussion and does not represent a final decision regarding the establishment of a City-owned Municipal Services Corporation. 

Engagement Opportunities 

Residents are encouraged to review the draft business case and share their feedback through a range of engagement opportunities available from June 24 to July 8, 2026.  

Opportunities include: 

  • Paper survey available at City Hall, the Port Colborne Public Library, and the Vale Health & Wellness Centre. 

  • In-person Open House drop-in sessions:  

  • Tuesday, June 30, 2026 from 2 to 6 p.m. at Port Colborne City Hall, Council Chambers 

  • Monday, July 6, 2026 from 3 to7 p.m.at the Vale Health & Wellness Centre 

The open houses will provide residents with an opportunity to learn more about the draft business case, ask questions of staff, and share their perspectives. 

Feedback gathered through the engagement process will be summarized and presented to Council as part of future discussions regarding the proposed City-owned Municipal Services Corporation. No decision has been made regarding the establishment of a Municipal Services Corporation. 

"Port Colborne is facing significant infrastructure demands, and we need to carefully examine all available options to ensure we can continue providing reliable services in a financially sustainable way," said Chief Administrative Officer, Bryan Boles. "The draft business case is intended to help residents understand what a Municipal Services Corporation is, why it is being considered, and how it could support long-term infrastructure investment while helping address future pressures on water and wastewater rates. Community feedback will play an important role as Council considers next steps." 

More Information 

Residents can review the draft business case, learn more about the proposedMunicipal Services Corporation, and participate in the engagement process by visiting the City's website at portcolborne.ca/MSC.