They say that history repeats itself.  We hope this is the case for our customers as we expand our mandate to include wastewater and stormwater operations.  In this situation, a reflection on the Commission's storied history is warranted.

In 1945, the Commission was given a mandate to operate and maintain the water supply system in Halifax after it was ravaged by the demands of two world wars and the neglect of a depression. 

In 1996, the Commission expanded its mandate through municipal amalgamation which saw the water utility assets of the City of Dartmouth and Halifax County Municipality transferred to the Halifax Regional Water Commission.  Through these milestones, the water supply system has been transformed into a modern, efficient, and financially sound structure providing high quality water and service to the residents of Halifax Regional Municipality (HRM).

On August 1, 2007, the Commission expanded its mandate once again as HRM transferred the wastewater and stormwater assets with the approval of the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board. 

With wastewater and stormwater governance established under the purview of the Nova Scotia Utility and Review Board, the focus of Halifax Water will be to improve asset management, secure stable funding, and meet Provincial and Federal regulatory requirements.  The merger is viewed as an excellent opportunity to deliver water, wastewater and stormwater services in an integrated, cost effective, and environmentally sound manner. 

We have a tremendous amount of work ahead of us, and staff are up for the challenge.  There is a significant infrastructure deficit associated with the wastewater and stormwater systems, and new federal standards will require upgrades for protection of the environment. We recognize that upgrades to the wastewater and stormwater systems are necessary to ensure long term sustainability such that your grandchildren will enjoy the benefits of a modern society.  Taking a long term view has always been a trademark of the Commission; and history has shown that this bodes well for the customers.  As stewards of these essential services, Halifax Water will continue the tradition of living up to customer expectations. We appreciate the goodwill of our customers through our changing mandates and look forward to their support as we chart new waters once again. 

Please feel free to contact our office through this website or other media, and we will be sure to respond in a timely and professional manner.

Yours in service,

Carl D. Yates, M.A.Sc., P.Eng.

General Manager