Sewer & Water (Dis)Connections

To add or disconnect to our drinking water, sanitary or storm water infrastructure a Sewer & Water (Dis)Connections Application is required.

To apply online:

Download and complete the Sewer & Water (Dis)Connections Application.

Email completed applications to buildtbay@thunderbay.ca

To apply in person:

Application forms can be picked up at the Build Thunder Bay: Your One Stop Development Shop located in Victoriaville Civic Centre, 111 Syndicate Avenue S, 2nd Floor

To reach use by phone:

Please call 807-62-BUILD (807-622--8453).

Office hours are Monday to Friday, 8:30 am - 4:30 pm

Sewer & Water (Dis)Connection Process  

Feasibility

  • Confirm available services (water, sanitary, storm) by contacting Build Thunder Bay: Your One Stop Development Shop offices at 807-62-BUILD (622-8453) or buildtbay@thunderbay.ca
  • Determine type of construction (residential single, multi-unit, commercial connection, etc)
  • Hire a licensed contractor

Applications & Permits

City Review and Approvals

  • Zoning and property reviews will be completed
  • Pre-construction visit will be completed by the Environment Division to determine project scope and details

Construction, Remediation, Demolition

  • Once your Sewer & Water (Dis)Connection Application and Building Permit a licenced contractor can begin work

Inspections

Backfilling & Restoration

  • Once the inspections are completed work can begin to restore the surface to its original condition, this can include replacing asphalt, concrete sidewalks, curbs, boulevards, etc.

Final Billing (or Refund)

  • Once restoration is complete, the City reconciles all fees, deposits, and actual service costs. If costs exceed the deposit, a final bill is issued to the property owner; if the deposit is higher than the actual costs, the balance is refunded. This process formally closes the Sewer and Water (Dis)Connection application

Deposits and Fees

Deposits collected for new service installations based on estimates of the City’s cost of completing the work and must be paid at the time of application.

Disconnection fees will only apply if the property is currently serviced.

Deposits and Fees
Type of (Dis)ConnectionDeposit Amount
Residential (up to 2 units with a single service)  no curb/sidewalk  $15,000
Residential (up to 2 units with a single service) with curb/sidewalk  $18,000
Duplex/Semi Detached  $25,000 plus $1,000 additional if requiring a storm sewer
Multi-Residential  $25,000 plus $1,000 additional if requiring a storm sewer
Multi-Residential (requiring fire protection or client has indicated a 6’’ pipe size) $30,000 plus $1,000 additional if requiring a storm sewer
Commercial Connection $30,000 
Demolition Disconnect Fee under 100mm  $5000
Demolition Disconnect Fee over 100mm $7000

 

Frequently Asked Questions

How do deposits and cost recovery work for new or modified water services?

Deposits collected for new service installations are intended to cover the City’s cost of completing the work. This process is based strictly on cost recovery—the City does not profit.

  • If actual project costs are less than the deposit, a refund will be issued.
  • If actual costs exceed the deposit, the customer will be billed for the difference.
What qualifies as an upgrade versus a like-for-like replacement with existing lead services?
 This clarification typically relates to lead service replacements.
  • A replacement is considered like-for-like if the existing lead service is 20 mm (¾”) or smaller, which matches the minimum current service size. These replacements are covered under the lead replacement program.
  • If the customer requires a service larger than 20 mm, and the existing service is smaller in diameter, this is considered an upgrade.

What is the process for a disconnect with the intention to reconnect, and how does this affect the deposit?

A disconnect fee is charged when a customer cannot or does not wish to reuse the existing water service.

  • If the existing services can be reused (based on age, material, demand for the new structure, and service location), the customer does not need to apply for new service installation and will not pay the disconnect fee.
  • The customer must provide the appropriate deposit when submitting a new service application if the property is currently serviced.
  • If the new services can be installed in the same location as the old services—allowing the City to avoid separate excavations for the install and disconnect—the disconnect fee will be applied toward service installation. This often results in a refund of part of the deposit.
The building foundation is remaining in place and services will be reused, do I still need to apply for a disconnection?
 Special approval may be grant by the Environment Division when the building’s foundation will remain during demolition. In this cases, it will be mandatory to have the water shutoff and the meter removed prior to demolition. 
How to arrange a water shutoff and meter removal? 
 Water shutoff and meter removal can be arranged by contacting City Dispatch at 807-625-2195. Costs associated with the water shutoff and meter removal will be billed directly on your next water bill.
  • In the case of an upgrade, the new service application process must be followed.

 

If you experience any issues or need assistance with the application process contact Build Thunder Bay: Your One Stop Development Shop at 807-62-BUILD (807-622--8453)

 

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