Our 2024 Regional Meetings Wrap Up

Near North & Muskoka Regional Meeting

Panelists: 

Designer: Jillian Fitzmaurice, Jillian’s Septic Design

Installer: Arlene Quinn, Stoughton Septic

Regulator: Bri Quinn, Municipality of Dysart et al

Moderator: Andy Bauman, Bergmann North America

On October 15 we enjoyed the atmosphere at Boshkung Smokehouse in Haliburton. During the panel discussion we talked about structures in relation to onsite sewage systems and an audience member advised us that the Building Code Commission has ruled on reducing setbacks to Sonotubes in the past.  

Greater Golden Horseshoe Regional Meeting

Facilitators: 

Anne Egan, R.J. Burnside & Associates

Andrew Hellebust, Rivercourt Engineering

October 22 we gathered in an intimate setting at Grain & Grit in Hamilton. During the facilitated discussion there was ample opportunity for the audience to chime in on topics such as how the Ontario Building Code’s amendment to include leaching chambers may affect shallow buried trench minimum pipe diameter. 

Peterborough Regional Meeting

Panelists: 

Engineer: Jeremy Tracey, Cambium Inc.

Installer: Arlene Quinn, Stoughton Septic

Regulator: Kathleen Shepherd, Cavan-Monaghan Township

Moderator: Mike Gibbs, ESSE Canada

At 100 Acre Brewing on October 29, we enjoyed yummy tacos, beer, and a one hour conversation on short term rentals! With Air BnB being overwhelmingly popular, some Municipalities have introduced licensing programs and different by-laws for short term rentals. This was discussed at each event, but in “cottage country” it is a hot topic and there was lots to talk about.  

Eastern Ontario Regional Meeting

Panelists: 

Engineer: Hendrik Van de Glind, Paterson Group

Installer: Brenda Burrows-Rabb, Rabb Construction

Regulator: Ryan Hiemstra, Rideau Valley Conservation Authority

Moderator: Mike Gibbs, ESSE Canada

For our highest attended event we appreciated our host venue Overflow Brewery in Ottawa on November 05. Technical issues didn’t hold the panelists back from providing valuable discussion on greywater solutions, remedial repair, educating homeowners beyond the final grading inspection, and stepping systems in slopes. 

Central Ontario Regional Meeting

Panelists: 

Engineer: Dominic Bauer, Gunnell Engineering

Installer: Kirk Hastings, Onsite Septic Solutions

Regulator: Brian Bell, Township of Collingwood

Moderator: Bill Goodale, Tatham Engineering

On November 19 Collingwood Brewery offered a welcoming space for our attendees to network. Our panelists discussed short term rentals, but unlike other regions, Collingwood’s licensing program has been in place for a year. Our regulator panelist was able to provide insights into the program in relation to onsite sewage systems. 

Our next round of Regional Meetings will be held in Spring 2026. Stay tuned for updates!

Recap of the 2022 Regional Meeting Series

This fall, with the lifting of COVID-19 pandemic restrictions, we were able to hold a fall Regional Meeting Series in five locations across the province.

In total, 188 people attended these events, with the opportunity to network with industry professionals, enjoy burgers and beer (with alternatives), and discuss regionally relevant topics. Each event was held from 4:00 until 7:00 pm, with the venues and speakers varied between the regions. We requested that those interested in attending to preregister for the events, so that we could provide enough food and beverages for everyone. We are grateful for the support of ten industry sponsors who helped make these events possible.

Don Krauss of Infiltrator Water Technologies, who presented updates about the CSA B66:21 manufacturing regulation for safety screens at two of the events, shared the following feedback: “I am glad that OOWA has been able to return to face-to-face meetings and events, and I’m looking forward to more events in the future and the 2023 Annual Convention.”