The City of Port Colborne is transforming how its water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure is managed to help address high water and wastewater rates and improve long-term affordability for residents and businesses.
As part of this work, City Council has approved the establishment of a City-owned Municipal Service Corporation (MSC) that will operate and maintain Port Colborne’s municipal water, wastewater and stormwater assets.
The new model will remain publicly owned by the City of Port Colborne and is designed to support long-term infrastructure investment and improve financial sustainability.
Our Path to Transformation
Throughout 2026, the City explored whether a Municipal Service Corporation could provide a more financially sustainable approach to managing Port Colborne’s water, wastewater and stormwater infrastructure.
A comprehensive business case [PDF/1MB] was developed to examine the proposed model, including its financial and operational considerations, long-term infrastructure needs and potential opportunities for savings and efficiencies.
Before making a final decision, the City also sought feedback from residents and businesses through two public open houses and an online and paper survey.
Following its review of the business case and community feedback, City Council approved moving forward with the establishment of a City-owned Municipal Service Corporation in July 2026.
City staff are now completing the work required to formally establish the corporation and prepare for implementation.
No action is required from residents at this time.
Frequently Asked Questions
A Municipal Service Corporation, or MSC, is a separate organization created and owned by a municipality to deliver specific public services or manage public infrastructure.
An MSC operates with a business-like structure, but remains publicly owned and accountable to the municipality. In Port Colborne, a City-owned MSC is being explored as a potential way to own and operate water and wastewater infrastructure locally, while maintaining public ownership, local control and City oversight.
This model is similar to other public service structures people may already be familiar with, such as municipally owned utilities, library boards and other public corporations.
Port Colborne residents currently pay some of the highest water and wastewater rates in Ontario. Niagara Region has also projected significant annual increases to water and wastewater rates in the years ahead.
The City is exploring whether a City-owned MSC could help:
Stabilize and potentially lower water and wastewater rates over time
Maintain public ownership of water and wastewater assets
Keep local decision-making in Port Colborne
Support long-term financial sustainability
The City is currently exploring a City-owned MSC for water and wastewater infrastructure in Port Colborne.
In the future, the MSC could expand to potentially include infrastructure currently operated by Niagara Region within Port Colborne’s boundaries. Additional research and data is required to determine if this would be a feasible option.
No. The City is not exploring privatization.
A City-owned MSC would remain publicly owned. Water and wastewater infrastructure would remain public assets, and the services would continue to be delivered for the public benefit. Major decisions, including rate-setting, would require Council approval.
Reports and presentation that Council has considered are available on the Council agenda pages, linked below:
The City is gathering information and preparing a business case to determine whether this model is feasible and beneficial. The goal of the review is to understand whether a City-owned MSC could provide more stable and affordable water and wastewater services for Port Colborne residents and ratepayers.
Residents would continue to receive safe, high-quality water and reliable wastewater services.
Workers would remain in the same facilities, performing the same work, with no loss of seniority, benefits or OMERS pension plan.
Port Colborne has been exploring the idea of a City-owned MSC since February 2025, originally as a way to finance the underground infrastructure needed for the East Side Employment Lands district.
Potential impacts for residents, workers and ratepayers
Yes. Council has approved the establishment of a Municipal Services Corporation. Work is currently underway to formally establish the corporation and setup the necessary legal and financial aspects.
Yes. Maintaining public ownership is a key principle of this work.
