Ponderosa Nature Resort

The EA Process

Ponderosa Nature Resort (Ponderosa) is a family-owned resort, located on 37-hectare (92 acre) property in a rural area of the City of Hamilton (City) and has been in operation since the 1960’s. The property is located at 1218 Concession Road 8 West in the former Town of Flamborough, legally described as Part of Lot 34, Concession 7, former Township of Beverly, designated as Parts 2 to 6 on Plan 62R-9369 (the Site). The Site currently consists of year-round residential units, seasonal residential units, camping areas and various amenities including a main clubhouse containing a tavern, a restaurant, an indoor/outdoor pool, and spa facilities.

Ponderosa is undertaking a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (MCEA) for improvements to their water and wastewater systems. The purpose of the Study is to identify a preferred solution and design concept that provides a cost-effective and environmentally sound options of providing water treatment and distribution and wastewater collection, treatment and disposal for Ponderosa with sufficient capacity to service existing and proposed additional lots. Alternatives will be examined as part of the Study including the impacts of alternatives on the social, cultural, natural, and financial environment.

The Study has been carried out in accordance with the planning and design process for Schedule B water system upgrade and Schedule C wastewater system upgrade as outlined in the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (October 2000, as amended in 2007, 2011 and 2015), which is approved under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. Given the final recommendations, this study has not transitioned to the February 2024.

Existing System

The potable water is provided via four existing wells located on the Site. Each water supply well has a separate water treatment and distribution system. As the wells are considered Groundwater Under the Direct Influence of surface water (GUDI), water treatment on-site consists of a combination of filters, ultraviolet (UV) disinfection and chlorination. The existing wastewater facilities consist of a combination of communal sewage systems of various vintage, individual sewage systems, holding tanks and informal soak-away pits. The onsite sewage systems are discharged to several existing subsurface leaching beds.

Proposed System Upgrades

Water System

Following the detailed evaluation of alternative solutions for the water system, the most preferred alternative is a construct a new Centralized Storage, Pumping and Distribution System. A centralized pumphouse and reservoir will be designed and constructed in a central area of the Site. Treated water lines from each well supply will be installed to provide potable water for filling the reservoir. The proposed upgrades will consist of a below grade potable water storage tank, high lift pumps, pressure tanks, chlorine dosing pumps for secondary top-up and other ancillary equipment required to ensure adequate flows and pressure are provided to the new distribution system. The system upgrade will also include new watermains connecting all units throughout the park.

The preferred recommended water system upgrade is illustrated in FIG 7.2 – Water Option

Wastewater System

Following the detailed evaluation of alternative solutions for the wastewater system, the most preferred alternative is to is a construct a new Centralized Wastewater System with subsurface discharge, including new low-pressure sewer system connecting all units throughout the park. The subsurface wastewater treatment system will provide treatment to meet the effluent criteria that were established through the impact assessment. The treatment process is expected to include the following:

Flow equalization.
Primary settling/ pre-treatment tanks.
Secondary aerobic biological treatment.
Phosphorus removal equipment.
Discharge to a raised leaching bed for final disposal.

Due to the shallow bedrock and relatively flat topography on the site, traditional gravity sewers are not preferred, and a low-pressure sewer system is recommended. As such the preferred approach for the collection and conveyance will be to use a grinder pumping system with individual pump tanks at each individual unit.

The preferred recommended wastewater system upgrade is illustrated in FIG 7.6 – Wastewater Option

Site Plan

Ponderosa has identified the need for a preferred servicing solution for a private year-round residential development of 62 additional units. The existing 175 units are to be converted to year-round residential units for a total of 237 private year-round residential units. Ponderosa Nature Resort has functioned in a manner compatible with the rural surroundings for over 50 years. The proposed enhancements to be implemented through the Planning Applications will ensure long-term compatibility and sustainability of the infrastructure with the surrounding environment. The combination of the new units and the new infrastructure as shown in FIG 8.1 – SITE PLAN – Illustrating Water and Wastewater Improvements

Review Period

The Environmental Study Report (ESR) is now complete and available for a 30-day review period from July 3, 2025, to August 2, 2025, in accordance with the requirements of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process. The Environmental Study Report, supporting studies, and project correspondence is available for viewing on the links below. Please reference the Notice of Completion for further contact information.