Table of Contents. Foreword by Minister Duguid 2. Water is a Global Issue And a Local Issue 5. Ontario Solutions To Global Problems 6

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2 Table of Contents A clarifying pond in Ontario. (Ontario Clean Water Agency) Foreword by Minister Duguid 2 Water is a Global Issue And a Local Issue 5 Ontario Solutions To Global Problems 6 A Continental Water Innovation Leader 8 The Foundation Has Been Laid 9 Ontario s Path Forward: Three-Pronged Action Plan 11 Driving Adoption of Innovative Technologies 12 Attracting Investment and Increasing Access to Global Markets 15 Creating a Competitive Ontario Advantage 17 Moving Forward 20 ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 1

3 Foreword by Minister Duguid As a variety of factors place stress on the world s water supply, the global demand for water continues to grow. Booming populations, urbanization, climate change, and aging infrastructure are affecting water supplies across the globe. Despite the abundance of fresh water in Ontario, more than one billion people live without clean drinking water in the world today. And in two decades, the worldwide demand for water could exceed supply by 40 per cent. A challenge of such great scale presents great opportunity, which Ontario is well-positioned to seize. Water systems around the world require innovative technologies that Ontario s water sector is ready to deploy. Ontario has the opportunity to showcase its cutting-edge technologies and solutions, while fostering a world-class water sector that will grow our economy and continue to protect our water for our children and grandchildren. Ontario s water sector is driving innovation in water, wastewater, and stormwater solutions. Our companies are world-renowned for bringing game-changing technologies to market like ultraviolet disinfection and membrane filtration technology. They also boast a broad range of water expertise that includes leak detection and repair, as well as watershed management. Ontario s Water Sector Strategy presents a three-pronged action plan for making the province a continental water innovation leader. To get there, we will drive water conservation and innovation at home to grow local markets and protect our water. We will work with stakeholders to expand the reach of Ontario companies in global markets and to attract global companies to invest in Ontario. And we will build our competitive advantage by promoting infrastructure partnerships and innovative financing models to increase collaboration and drive sector competitiveness. The water sector is overflowing with economic and social benefits. As Minister of Economic Development and Innovation, I encourage Ontario s corporate, industrial, academic, Aboriginal, and government stakeholders to move this strategy forward, pursuing opportunities at home and abroad. Innovative water leadership means more Ontario jobs, a stronger provincial economy, and clean water for generations to come. The Honourable Brad Duguid Minister of Economic Development and Innovation ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 2

4 Water is a Global Issue... About 1.1 billion people worldwide have no access to safe drinking water World Water Council A water treatment plant in Ontario. (Ontario Clean Water Agency) ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 3

5 Seventy percent of the earth s surface is covered by water. But 97 per cent of it is saltwater and another two per cent is locked up in glaciers and icecaps. This means that less than one per cent is available to us as fresh water in streams, rivers, lakes, and groundwater. As the National Geographic described, if all the water in the world could fit in a onegallon jar, the fresh water available to us would be less than a tablespoon. Around the world, clean water is becoming scarce. Here s what s driving water scarcity globally: Higher Living Standards: As wealth increases around the world, people are buying more goods and moving from a grain-based to a more water-intensive, protein-based diet. Urbanization: More and more people are moving into towns and cities in search of employment opportunities. Aging Water Infrastructure: Most of the water infrastructure in industrialized nations was built in the early twentieth century. Repairing and upgrading this aging infrastructure will require major investments. Climate Change: Climate change is affecting the world s rainfall and evaporation patterns, reducing the water available for human consumption, agriculture, and ecosystem integrity in parts of the globe. Population Growth: The world s current population of more than 7 billion people will continue to swell over the coming decades. The United Nations predicts a global population of 9.3 billion people by ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 4

6 ...And a Local Issue Our health, economy, and quality of life in Ontario depend on access to clean water. Ontario s water is sourced from a quartermillion lakes, rivers, and groundwater resources that make up our watersheds. Nearly 98 per cent of Ontarians live in the watersheds of the Great Lakes and St. Lawrence River. The Great Lakes contain an estimated 20 per cent of the world s fresh water. Lake Ontario alone is the source of drinking water for nearly half the people in Ontario. The Great Lakes also provide abundant recreational and economic opportunities for Ontarians. Ontario s lakes and rivers enable our industries. They transport Ontario s goods. And they support our manufacturing, agriculture, and tourism sectors. Our reliable supply of clean water also attracts business and foreign investment to the province. Ontario s water resources, however, cannot be taken for granted. We recognize there are challenges currently affecting our water supply, such as agricultural discharge, insufficiently treated urban stormwater, and even treated sewage that can put phosphorous and contaminants into our lakes and rivers. That s why we need to continue to protect and steward Ontario s water resources. A retention pond used to manage stormwater runoff, preventing flooding and downstream erosion in Ontario. (Ontario Clean Water Agency) ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 5

7 Ontario Solutions To Global Problems These global and local water challenges require innovative technologies and solutions that Ontario is well-positioned to supply. Locally, Ontario s Great Lakes Strategy reinforces the need to protect this precious fresh water resource with innovative water technologies, services, and environmental practices. We are putting our innovations to work in our province to increase water conservation and efficiency, nutrient management, recycling, and water quality protection. Globally, Ontario has an opportunity to offer its solutions to the world. Our competitive advantage includes a history of innovative technological development and a strong research capacity to meet Ontario s high regulatory standards. Our researchers and companies continue to develop leading-edge technologies that can be used to protect Ontario s water and address the world s water problems. A closed-loop, industrial water purification system with no air emissions, no water emissions, and no generated waste. (Purifics) ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 6

8 Ontario s standards for water treatment, testing, and reporting are as strong as and often stronger than those of other Canadian jurisdictions. This is based on the following: 1. Ontario s drinking water is among the best protected in the world based on independent jurisdictional assessments. ( Annual Report from Ontario s Chief Drinking Water Inspector) 2. Ontario s leadership in drinking water protection continues to receive high acclaim. We were the only province to receive an A rating in Ecojustice s Waterproof 3: Canada s Drinking Water Report Card. 3. Ontario is the North American leader in implementing quality management in the management and operation of drinking water systems, and is recognized as a leader in providing safe drinking water. This is based on the following statistics from the Minister s Annual Report on Drinking Water 2012: 99.87% of tests from municipal residential drinking water systems met standards 99.38% of tests from non-municipal year-round residential systems met standards 99.43% of tests from systems serving designated facilities met standards 4. Ontario s certification and training requirements for operators are among the most stringent in North America. As of March 31, 2010, there were 6,213 certified drinking water operators in Ontario holding 8,502 certificates. 5. All municipal residential drinking water systems received their final licences and accreditation as part of a provincial licensing program. The program makes Ontario the first jurisdiction in North America to have mandatory quality management systems for all regulated drinking water systems. ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 7

9 A Continental Water Innovation Leader In the 2011 Speech from the Throne, the Government of Ontario stated its vision to become a continental water innovation leader by To achieve this vision, Ontario will become: A strong exporter of products and services that solve water quality and quantity problems; A leading North American site for new water and wastewater technology innovation, demonstration, and commercialization; and A leading adopter of innovative water technologies and financing methods. A primary clarifier at an Ontario wastewater treatment plant that separates sludge before further treatment. (Ontario Clean Water Agency) ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 8

10 The Foundation Has Been Laid Ontario is making steady progress to realize this vision. We have built a strong water innovation community, comprised of companies, entrepreneurs, researchers, and research institutions that are supported by a rigorous policy framework. Ontario s water sector is now made up of 900 companies employing nearly 22,000 people. Here are the highlights: Ontario s Water Technology Acceleration Project (WaterTAP) WaterTAP was established under the Water Opportunities and Water Conservation Act to help grow globally competitive companies that create high-value jobs in the water and wastewater sectors. WaterTAP will play a major role in moving Ontario towards its vision of being a water innovation leader. Our Extensive Community of Water Companies Ontario has an extensive water community that includes globally recognized firms like Trojan Technologies and GE Water. Our companies boast a broad range of water and wastewater technology expertise. And they are well-known for bringing a host of innovative technologies and services to market, including ultraviolet disinfection, membrane technology filtration, leak detection and repair, and watershed management. Our Strong Research Capacity Ontario s vibrant corporate community is closely connected to our world-class water research networks, helping the cluster continuously innovate and grow. Ontario is home to 100 water-related research institutes, groups, and centres across the province, along with 44 universities and colleges. The City of Toronto has developed innovative programs to encourage industrial users to adopt water conservation projects with the incentive of reduced water rates. The program encourages technology and process innovation, resulting in new approaches to water use, recycling, and conservation. ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 9

11 Ontario s Demonstration and Commercialization Capabilities Ontario is increasing its ability to test and demonstrate new technologies. The Walkerton Clean Water Centre, for example, was established to develop and deliver quality operator training, to conduct applied research, and to demonstrate and assess technologies. The Southern Ontario Water Consortium is supporting the development of innovative water technologies. And the Ontario Clean Water Agency in addition to its core function as a water facility operator is also working province-wide to enable the testing, assessment, and implementation of new technologies. Ontario s Network of Entrepreneurial Services and Supports Ontario is home to a vibrant community of clean-tech entrepreneurs that are supported by the Ontario Network of Excellence. Regional Innovation Centres across the province, like MaRS, provide advice, mentorship, market intelligence, and funding to nurture and grow our next generation of water sector entrepreneurs. Our Supportive Policy Framework In 2010, the Government of Ontario passed the forward-thinking Water Opportunities and Water Conservation Act to drive change and grow the water sector. Ontario s Great Lakes Strategy builds on this policy framework, protecting our vital fresh water resources so that they stay drinkable, swimmable, and fishable. The Great Lakes Strategy commits the government to consult with municipal, water sector, and community stakeholders on a Municipal Water Sustainability Plan Regulation. This regulation will help strengthen municipal water and wastewater management and drive conservation through end-user adoption. One of the Great Lakes Strategy s goals is to create more environmentally sustainable economic opportunities and innovation. Underpinning Ontario s robust policy framework are stringent water quality standards that are among the highest in the world. ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 10

12 Ontario s Path Forward: Three-Pronged Action Plan The Government of Ontario is committed to partnering with stakeholders as we move forward on the path to becoming a continental water innovation leader. To grow Ontario s water sector into a North American leader, we will take the following three actions: 1 Driving Adoption of Innovative Technologies: The government will partner with stakeholders like the Ontario Clean Water Agency to encourage the development, demonstration, commercialization, and adoption of innovative water solutions. 2 Attracting Investment and Increasing Access to Global Markets: The government will work with stakeholders to expand the reach of Ontario companies in global markets and to attract global companies to invest in Ontario. 3 Creating a Competitive Ontario Advantage: To create a competitive advantage, the government will increase collaboration and support innovative financing models. Infrastructure partnerships, strong linkages between stakeholders, and innovative financing options will accelerate the adoption of innovative water solutions in Ontario and the selling of them globally. ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 11

13 1 Driving Adoption of Innovative Technologies The technology demonstration and research facilities at the Walkerton Clean Water Centre in Walkerton, Ontario. (Walkerton Clean Water Centre) Domestic markets catalyze local innovation. Domestic support for new technologies not only improves Ontario s water infrastructure. It helps build leading global companies that drive economic growth. The successful launch of new water technologies requires a number of steps from discovery to demonstration to commercialization. Local support at each stage of development will accelerate innovation in Ontario s water sector. Demonstration It is much easier for local companies to demonstrate their technologies at home before bringing them to export markets. Therefore, Ontario can drive the growth of innovative water products by encouraging local technology demonstration. To become a demonstration leader, Ontario must maintain its stringent standards while enabling and promoting new approaches and technologies. Commercialization The commercialization phase requires a first or reference customer. The Ontario Clean Water Agency, Ontario s large industrial users, and water utilities can become reference customers for qualified technologies. Protecting our Environment Adopting innovative water technologies and best practices will not only improve the profitability of Ontario companies. It will also benefit our environment. Ontarians currently consume water at double the average rate of Europeans, and Canada consumes the most water per capita in the world. This level of consumption puts a strain on our water sources. Ontario s water users should be made aware of the latest technologies and practices that can help them reduce the water they use and lower the energy it takes to distribute and treat it. ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 12

14 Adopting these technologies and practices will drive the domestic demand for water innovations, reduce our water use costs, improve our infrastructure, and protect our ecosystems. To drive the adoption of new innovative technologies, the government will work closely with stakeholders on the following: Leveraging Ontario s Research and Demonstration Capabilities: WaterTAP will leverage Ontario s research and demonstration facilities like the Walkerton Clean Water Centre and the Ontario Clean Water Agency. It will also engage researchers and companies through the Ontario Centres of Excellence. Facilitating Approvals for Pilot/ Demonstration Projects: The government will continue to streamline the approvals process and will work closely with Ontario companies to help them better navigate the process for implementing pilot/demonstration projects. Driving More Demonstration Activity: WaterTAP and the Ontario Clean Water Agency will increase demonstration opportunities among municipal water utilities, Aboriginal and remote communities, industrial and agricultural users. The government will also explore opportunities to fund demonstrations where appropriate. Showcasing Water Innovation recently provided funding for 32 projects that will develop innovative, cost-effective solutions for managing drinking water, wastewater, and stormwater systems in Ontario communities. The Innovation Demonstration Fund has also helped fund emerging water technologies by supporting pilot demonstrations that lead to the commercialization of processes and products that are globally competitive. Driving End-User Adoption of Conservation Technologies: The government will continue working closely with industrial water users, encouraging them to adopt high-efficiency technologies and environmental best practices. Promoting Innovative Technologies to Improve Ontario s Water Operations: The government will encourage innovative technology solutions to lower costs and improve Ontario s water operations. The Ontario Clean Water Agency will also work with industry, municipal partners, and Aboriginal communities to reduce the impact of pipeline failures by testing new technologies, promoting good operating practices, and offering leak detection services to provincial, national, and international clients. ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 13

15 From Process Water to Potable Water When faced with not having enough water for a new apple processing and juice plant in Durham, Algoma Orchards turned to ALTECH to solve their problem. The solution was to treat process water from the apple and juice operation to potable water standards using Hydro-Kleen TM, a new made-in-ontario technology. The water was then made suitable for food grade uses. A process water treatment system. (ALTECH) ALTECH s system enables Algoma to reduce water consumption to 50,000 litres per day, and it eliminates the need for wastewater discharge. This technology was significantly less costly than a conventional wastewater treatment system. And it was cheaper than extending municipal sewer services to the company s rural location. This first-in-kind, full-scale system allowed Algoma one of Canada s largest apple producers to complete their new investment, creating 220 jobs in Durham, Ontario. Conservation Technologies Water conservation programs driven by municipalities have resulted in the following industry changes and investments: Optimized water use by recycling rinse waters for primary rinsing Separating concentrated source streams and investing in pre-treatment equipment Eliminating once-through cooling water with Cooling Towers or other technologies Recycling starch water as rinse in the snack food industry, then recovering the starch for sale Controlling VOCs and removing them through treatment technology Investing in new processing equipment that uses less water ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 14

16 Attracting Investment 2 and Increasing Access to Global Markets Oil/water separation system developed in Ontario by Purifics at use in the oil sands in Alberta. (Purifics) The world s $424 billion global market for water products and services consists of both established and emerging markets that can benefit from Ontario s innovative technologies, environmental best practices, and experience applying stringent regulations. Water systems in emerging markets can face serious environmental challenges and often lack adequate water infrastructure and efficient water management. These markets will benefit from companies that can provide a full spectrum of product and service solutions. Water and wastewater systems in many of the world s developed nations require urgent attention to repair and rehabilitate their aging infrastructure and modernize their treatment and monitoring technologies. The highest demand for water services and products is expected to come from these established markets for the next decade. Ontario s water sector consists of a growing number of internationally successful firms. Among these global leaders are Trojan Technologies, GE Water, ALTECH Group, Hatch, and CH2M Hill. ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 15

17 Many companies in Ontario s water sector are small- and medium-sized enterprises that require greater scale to grow in global markets. They also need partnerships and contracts with larger global firms to successfully establish themselves in domestic and international markets. To expand the reach of Ontario companies in global markets and to attract global water leaders to the province, the government will work with stakeholders and companies to build partnerships and raise the sector s profile. Marketing Ontario as a Continental Water Innovation Leader WaterTAP will work with the government to continue showcasing Ontario s water technology sector at trade missions and at more international conferences and tradeshows. This will increase the visibility of Ontario companies and raise the profile of our water sector. The government will continue to promote the water sector through additional forums that market Ontario s capabilities, including the Ontario Clean Water Agency s Technology Showcase and the Ontario Centres of Excellence s Discovery conference. Finally, the government will conduct a water sector benchmarking study to develop a standardized definition of the sector and gather economic data that will allow Ontario to compare its performance to other jurisdictions. Building Global Partnerships WaterTAP will work with the government to continue connecting Ontario companies with potential partners overseas by attracting global media coverage and attending international events. In addition, the Ontario Clean Water Agency will work to expand the international recognition it is already receiving from other jurisdictions. To attract global research and development leaders to Ontario, the government will continue to capitalize on its highly competitive business environment and partnerships. The government will also maintain its international advertising drive to promote Ontario s water sector. The Next Big Idea campaign promotes Ontario as a leading global jurisdiction for the development of innovative water technologies. ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 16

18 3 Creating a Competitive Ontario Advantage A wastewater treatment plant in Ontario. (Ontario Clean Water Agency) A fragmented water sector inhibits the collaboration between academia, municipal utilities, and water technology companies that Ontario s economy relies on to grow and compete. Ontario needs a better way to connect stakeholders with solution providers in the water sector. We also need to link our first-rate research institutions with our companies to take advantage of our extensive academic capital. Coordinating Ontario s Research Networks Ontario s universities and colleges are global water research leaders, with scholars working across 44 universities and colleges provincewide. Ontario is home to 100 world-class water related research institutes, groups, and centres across the province. All this knowledge yields a wealth of innovative technologies and approaches. ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 17

19 Commercializing these technologies, however, remains a challenge. To tackle this challenge, we must ensure that our water researchers and experts are aware of the issues on the ground, coordinated in their approaches, and connected to businesses that can bring new technologies to market. Connecting Water Operators with Solution Providers We also need to establish new partnerships among water utilities, solution providers, and end-users. Ontario has 700-plus municipal water and wastewater facilities that require maintenance and upgrading. By implementing new innovative technologies, using low impact development, and increasing conservation per capita, these costs can be significantly reduced. Right now, the Ontario Centres of Excellence are addressing these issues through the Industry-Academic Collaboration Program. Leading municipalities, along with the Ontario Centres of Excellence, have demonstrated that energy optimization, leak detection and trenchless repair, conservation programs, green infrastructure, and the adoption of new technologies can realize cost savings and environmental benefits. Maintaining our Infrastructure To build on its infrastructure accomplishments, the government will continue addressing key infrastructure needs as well as providing innovative financing options for new water infrastructure. In 2004, the government introduced the Alternative Financing and Procurement model, designed to foster infrastructure partnerships with the private sector. It also created Infrastructure Ontario a dedicated infrastructure agency to manage large projects using this model. The government will continue to work closely with stakeholders to increase collaboration within Ontario s water community and to encourage innovative financing methods for future infrastructure needs. Here s how: Building a Network of Innovation: WaterTAP will become the Ontario hub for the collection, distribution, and sharing of information among stakeholders using existing networks, including industry associations. Leveraging Existing Networks and Building Human Resources: The Ontario Network of Excellence and Ontario Centres of Excellence will continue connecting the academic sector and industry to create opportunities, accelerate commercialization, help students gain industry experience, and fill employment gaps. The Southern Ontario Water Consortium will work to increase demonstration, testing, ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 18

20 and research activities. And it will facilitate collaboration among academia, the private sector, and other partners. The Ontario Clean Water Agency, Walkerton Clean Water Centre, Bloom Centre for Sustainability, and related associations will continue to promote, train, and employ our next water leaders. The government will help mobilize the talent pool to prepare our next generation of skilled workers. It will also work cooperatively with Aboriginal communities to meet demand. Strengthening Relationships and Sharing Best Practices: WaterTAP will strengthen its relationship with municipal water utilities in Ontario including those in Aboriginal communities and connect them to water technology companies. The government will continue working closely with industrial water users to encourage environmental best practices and the adoption of more efficient technologies. Creating a Collaborative Hub: The Ontario Centres of Excellence (OCE) and its partners are proposing a collaborative solutions hub to address Ontario s aging water infrastructure. The hub would provide asset management, financial modeling, and a research program to further energy-water research through OCE s Special Energy Fund. Driving Alternative Financing and Procurement: Ontario s 10-year infrastructure plan, Building Together, outlines the steps the government is taking to build on the success of the alternative financing procurement model. Many municipalities have the potential to attract private sector partners and realize financial savings through this model. Infrastructure Ontario and P3 Canada are considering educational outreach programs, workshops, and training sessions for municipalities across Ontario. Ensuring Financial and Environmental Sustainability: The government will encourage municipalities and Aboriginal communities to make the best use of existing infrastructure before building new capacity, while highlighting the benefits of using water more efficiently to Ontarians. The government will also support Aboriginal and smaller communities that lack the capacity to address water-related infrastructure needs on their own. This will include assessing technology options and the need for financial and other types of support, and developing solutions that use the best mix of options. ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 19

21 Moving Forward The Government of Ontario is committed to protecting this province s most vital resource: water. By tapping made-in-ontario expertise, we can protect water, create jobs, and drive sustainable prosperity. Ontario s Water Sector Strategy will help us build a world-class water sector that will grow the province s economy and protect our water for our children and grandchildren. It will also help the rest of the world solve their water challenges with more exported Ontario technologies and services. The strategy will help mobilize these cutting-edge Ontario innovations for the benefit of the province and the rest of the world. The Water Sector Strategy will help Ontario realize its vision of becoming a North American water innovation leader. It will enable efficient and affordable solutions for water management and conservation in Ontario. It will help Ontario s water sector firms grow and compete, exporting their innovations to global markets and gaining foreign investment. Finally, it will help build a stronger, more innovative water sector, with more Ontario jobs and more investments. We look forward to working collaboratively with our stakeholders on the water innovations that will improve lives in Ontario and around the world. To build on our provincial strengths, the Water Sector Strategy was designed to complement existing initiatives like the Great Lakes Strategy, Far North Land Use Planning Initiative, and the Growth Plan for Northern Ontario. Working closely with WaterTAP and other stakeholders, the government will drive this strategy forward. Operators from the Ontario Clean Water Agency at a treatment plant in Ontario. (Ontario Clean Water Agency) ONTARIO S WATER SECTOR STRATEGY 20

22 For more information, please visit (Print) (HTML) (PDF) Queen s printer for Ontario, 2013