Port Colborne launches public engagement on establishing Government Business Enterprises

The City of Port Colborne is exploring an innovative way to deliver essential infrastructure and support economic growth without placing additional pressure on taxpayers.  

City Council is considering the establishment of two Government Business Enterprises (GBEs). If approved, the GBEs would be responsible for constructing, maintaining and owning the water, wastewater and potentially other infrastructure serving the East Side Employment Lands district, which includes both current and future industrial developments and the Asahi Kasei Battery Separator Canada site. The GBEs will help ensure the infrastructure needed to support economic growth is managed effectively and sustainably. 

GBEs operate at arm’s length from the municipality, giving cities more flexibility to manage and invest in critical infrastructure while ensuring strategic oversight remains with Council. This model has been successfully used by several municipalities across Ontario to finance and manage major projects without relying on the property tax base or water ratepayers. 

“This is about giving Port Colborne the tools to build the infrastructure our community needs today and for decades to come,” said Bryan Boles, Port Colborne’s Chief Administrative Officer. “GBEs can help us move important projects forward while protecting taxpayers and ratepayers, as well as maintaining public ownership.” 

This structure would enable the City to secure financing separate from its core finances, helping to deliver infrastructure projects without impacts on the municipal tax base or water/wastewater rates. 

Community Engagement Opportunities 

Before moving forward, City Council has directed staff to implement a public engagement process to inform residents and gather input on the establishment of GBEs. 

Residents are encouraged to participate through the following opportunities: 

Survey closes November 12, 2025.   

Feedback collected through the engagement process will help inform Council as they consider the formal establishment of two GBEs in Port Colborne.  

For more information about the proposed GBEs visit www.portcolborne.ca/GBE