Carlisle Water Storage Facility

The study considered options to address existing and future water storage needs, including the need to meet provincial requirements for fire protection and ensure a reliable water supply during periods of high demand. 

Status: Complete

How we reached the decision

The City followed the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process to identify and evaluate options for meeting Carlisle's current and future water storage needs.

The process included:

• Identifying the need: The City confirmed that additional water storage is required to support a reliable municipal water supply and meet future community needs. 
• Considering options: The project team assessed different water storage locations and infrastructure options. 
• Reviewing impacts: Options were evaluated based on technical requirements, environmental considerations, potential impacts to the community and neighbouring properties, and cost. 
• Engaging the community: Two Public Information Centres were held in June 2023 and April 2024. Residents and stakeholders were invited to review the options, ask questions and provide feedback. Comments received were considered as part of the evaluation. 
• Selecting a preferred solution: Following the technical evaluation and public consultation, the project team recommended a new, larger elevated water storage tank at Tower Park. 
• Confirming the EA outcome: Based on the preferred solution, the project was reclassified from a Schedule B Municipal Class Environmental Assessment to Exempt, as the project does not require additional property acquisition and is expected to have minimal natural and socio-economic impacts. 

Decision

The preferred solution is to:

• Construct a new, larger elevated water storage tank at Tower Park, 40–46 Woodend Drive, at the location of the existing water storage facility. 
• The new tank will provide additional storage capacity for the Carlisle water supply system. 
• The existing tank will be replaced as part of the project. 
• The solution does not require the City to acquire additional property. 

Council Decision

In November 2024, Council approved the recommendations to file a Notice of Completion and Exemption from the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process and proceed with the preferred alternative of a larger elevated water tank at Tower Park, with an estimated detailed design and construction cost of $11 million. The Final Carlisle Water Storage Study Project File Report was also approved by Council. 

• Carlisle Water Storage Municipal Class Environmental Assessment and Conceptual Design – Report PW24076