Niagara Region received the Ontario Water Works Association’s 2026 Water and Energy Efficiency Award of Excellence at the Regional Council meeting on August 27, 2026. The award recognizes water-saving upgrades at Rapelje Lodge, a long-term care home in Welland, which reduced site water use by more than 2,500 cubic metres in 2025, a 16 per cent decrease.
The winning project combined an ozone laundry system with high-efficiency toilet replacements. The toilet retrofit cut flush volume from 13.2 litres to 4.8 litres per flush. The ozone laundry system reduced hot-water and natural gas use by up to 45 per cent and lowered electricity consumption.
Niagara Region treats and supplies drinking water drawn from the Welland Canal for Port Colborne and other municipalities. Fewer cubic metres of water treated and pumped means lower operational costs and better long-term sustainability for the regional system serving local households, making this win directly relevant to Port Colborne residents.
While the award recognizes the work completed at Rapelje Lodge, Niagara Region has now implemented these efficiency measures across all seven of its long-term care homes. Acting Regional Chair Tom Insinna said the award is a positive reflection of Niagara Region’s commitment to responsible leadership, adding it aligns with Council’s priorities by demonstrating how thoughtful investments can reduce resource use and build more sustainable Regional facilities.
Paolo Varias, Director of Seniors Services, said the recognition affirms the value of continually looking for smarter ways to operate homes and support residents, with teams focused on practical improvements that make the best use of public resources.
