Port Colborne residents have wrapped up their chance to weigh in on a proposal that could reshape how water and sewer services are run in the city. A 15-day public consultation closed on July 8, 2026, asking the community to share thoughts on a draft business case for a city-owned Municipal Services Corporation.
The corporation would take over management of water, wastewater, and stormwater systems. The City of Port Colborne says the idea is to keep the services publicly owned while operating them with a more business-like structure to tackle some of the highest water rates in Niagara. This year, water and sewer bills jumped 8.89 percent, adding nearly $180 to the typical yearly household bill.
Residents could have their say through an online survey, paper copies at City Hall, the Port Colborne Public Library, and the Vale Health & Wellness Centre, or by dropping into two open houses held on June 30 and July 6. The consultation was part of a process that began back in February 2025, when the city first looked at the corporation model to fund underground infrastructure for the East Side Employment Lands. It has since grown into a broader push to control costs across the whole city.
Right now, Niagara Region owns the treatment plants, while Port Colborne owns the pipes that deliver water to homes and businesses. Mayor Bill Steele has said he wants the city to be a test case for Niagara, showing whether local control can bring down bills and make things work better. Chief Administrative Officer Bryan Boles stressed that any change would keep the assets in public hands, with employees staying in the same jobs and same buildings. City council would still have the final say on rates.
Council gave the green light to explore the idea on April 28, 2026, and approved the draft business case on June 23. The feedback gathered during the consultation will now shape the next steps. With some of the highest water rates in the province, residents will be watching closely to see if this proposal can bring real savings without sacrificing public control.
