Get a free consultation with us today
Contact us

City of Vaughan – Interim Servicing Strategy Study for Vaughan’s New Community Areas

The City of Vaughan, one of Ontario’s fastest-growing municipalities, has taken proactive measures to address its future development needs. To safely accommodate new developments within existing sewer infrastructures before the Regional trunk sewer becomes available in 2028 and beyond, Vaughan retained Civica Infrastructure Inc. to complete an interim servicing strategy (ISS) study. This case study explores the methods, challenges, and solutions implemented to ensure a seamless transition for Vaughan’s new community areas.

Project Description

The ISS study aimed to develop servicing strategies with risk management measures for future developments. The work included:

  • Collecting existing data.
  • Analyzing dry and wet-weather flow peaks, volumes, and patterns.
  • Conducting hydrologic and hydraulic modelling using InfoWorks ICM.
  • Investigating the capacity of selected outlets under existing, approved, and future conditions.
  • Developing risk management solutions for the interim condition.

Flow and rainfall monitoring data were collected at strategic locations, serving as the foundation for calibrating the InfoWorks model. Additionally, CCTV inspections were conducted on all identified outlet sewers to confirm pipe conditions and ensure optimal use of hydraulic capacity. The existing residual capacity in the sewers was calculated using monitored flows and a detailed pipe-by-pipe hydraulic model.

Civica analyzed flows monitored during large storms to improve existing development models and predict sewer performance under critical conditions. The calibrated model helped in assessing future outlet sewer capacities. Three scenarios were then defined and evaluated using the City’s 1-in-25-year design storm to assess downstream sanitary sewer performance.

Relevance of Experience

Civica brought its extensive expertise to the project, utilizing a range of advanced techniques and tools, including:

  • CCTV sewer inspection for identifying inflow and infiltration (I&I).
  • Flow monitoring and data analysis.
  • InfoWorks modelling for accurate hydrologic and hydraulic assessments.
  • Mapping and reporting to visualize findings and recommendations.
  • I&I analysis to identify and mitigate extraneous wet-weather flows.
  • Developing and evaluating alternative solutions and risk mitigation measures.

Challenges Faced

The project presented several challenges:

Data Quality: Ensuring the accuracy and reliability of data collected from field investigations, flow, and rainfall monitoring.

Stakeholder Communication: Maintaining active and consistent communication with multiple stakeholders, including the City and other consultants.

Infrastructure Condition: Verifying the condition of existing infrastructure to ensure it could accommodate interim development needs.
Solutions Implemented

To address these challenges, the following solutions were implemented:

Flow Monitoring and Data Collection: High-quality flow monitoring data was crucial for successful model calibration and validation.

CCTV Inspections: Wet-weather CCTV inspections were highly effective in identifying I&I, enabling targeted reduction measures.

Hydraulic Modelling: Using InfoWorks ICM, the hydraulic performance of the sewer system was modelled under critical flows to predict future conditions.

Risk Management Measures: Proposed measures included monitoring and inspections, new development standards, I&I reduction measures, phasing, flow attenuation, and pipe replacement.

Lessons Learned

The project provided valuable insights and lessons:

  • Good quality flow monitoring data is essential for successful model calibration and validation.
  • Wet weather CCTV inspections are highly effective in identifying I&I.
  • I&I reduction can expand residual capacity and reduce risk by removing extraneous wet-weather flow from the sanitary sewer system.
  • Accurate and reliable model input data, obtained through field investigations, additional flow, and rainfall monitoring, and rigorous QA/QC measures, are key to modelling success.
  • Active and consistent communication with multiple stakeholders is crucial for project success.

Contact Civica for Expert Wastewater Management Solutions

The City of Vaughan’s interim servicing strategy study, conducted by Civica, highlights the importance of innovative infrastructure solutions to accommodate future developments. Through expert curation, advanced modelling, and strategic risk management, Vaughan is well-prepared to meet its growing community’s needs.

Civica provides expert sewer capacity analysis and wastewater monitoring services to municipalities ready to implement cutting-edge infrastructure solutions. To learn how we can help you achieve your development goals, please contact Civica today.