In April 2005, there was a shift in the City of Welland’s water/sewer rate structure from flat rate billing to metered consumption.  It was determined that acceptance of the new rate structure would be assisted by a Conservation Program as a means of empowering customers and citizens with the information and tools to reduce their demand.

Council subsequently approved the formation of the Water Conservation committee to be made up of City staff, three (3) citizen members, three (3) special interest group representatives, three (3) councilors and partners from Welland Hydro and Enbridge Gas.  Citizen members were appointed to the Committee in September 2005.

The primary purpose of the Committee was to develop and monitor the Water Conservation and Efficiency Plan to be implemented in 2006.  The Committee could then evaluate the impact of each element of the program and make recommendations for future program refinement and development.

As anticipated, the 2006 Water Conservation and Efficiency Plan was well received.  Residents participated in several water conservation initiatives including toilet and washing machine replacement programs, the purchase of subsidized rain barrels as well as downspout disconnection inspections and conservation education initiatives. 

Since 2006, the program has since expanded to home energy audits, the Smart Gardening Program and numerous different types of rain barrels for sale. In addition, public education has developed to include an inaugural Youth Sustainability Conference held at the beginning of June and a Summer Sustainability Series in the Welland Tribune.