Public Works & Utilities

The Town of Renfrew builds and maintains extensive road, sidewalk and other transportation network infrastructure so that traffic - pedestrians, motorists and cyclists - can move safely and efficiently around the community.

Public Works helps ensure a safe and reliable road network by:

1. Maintaining roads, sidewalks, curbs and gutters;
2. Sweeping streets;
3. Providing snow and ice removal; and
4. Maintaining and installing traffic and pedestrian signals, signs and line markings

Road Improvements

The Town’s roads are regularly assessed for surface distress and structural integrity. Once assessments have been done, the results are reviewed and priorities are set based on the following:

1. The remaining useful life of a pavement section;
2. The best methods for maintaining or rehabilitating road sections;
3. Anticipated costs and budget amounts;
4. Cost-effective approaches which may include accessing other available funding; and
5. The integration of a project with other existing - or future - work.

It's important to note that while one road may appear to be in worse shape than another, there are many factors that need to be considered before the Town decides which roads receive work.

For more information regarding current construction and infrastructure projects, please review 'Project'.

Street Sweeping

Each year, the Town removes dirt and debris left on roads from fall and winter through a spring cleanup program. This cleanup typically takes place in May, once snow and ice has melted off for the season. Periodic street sweeping continues over the summer/early fall months.

Patching and Asphalt Repair

Throughout the year, Public Work Staff complete patching on town roads to address potholes, washouts, and other minor road damage that may have occurred. Streets are regularly patrolled, but potholes can appear quickly and without warning. Please contact the Development & Work’s Department at 613-432-8166 x 300 or dw@renfrew.ca should you notice a pothole or washout that needs immediate attention.

The Town of Renfrew provides water and sewer services to residents of Renfrew. Both the Water and Waste Water Treatment centers are operated by the Ontario Clean Water Association and are managed by the Development & Work's Department. Any concerns regarding water quality and waste water service should contact the Development & Work's Department at 613-432-8166. 

The Town of Renfrew recently retained Watson & Associates Economists Ltd. (Watson) to prepare a water financial plan as part of the five submission requirements for the purposes of obtaining a renewal of the municipal drinking water license as per the Safe Drinking Water Act, 2002. The Financial Plan provided an in-depth analysis of capital and operating needs, a review of current and future demand versus supply, and consideration of available funding sources. The detailed financial plan was completed based on the Town's 2021 Water and Wastewater Rate Study, dated March 3, 2021 (2021 Rate Study). 

2021 Financial Water Plan

For information regarding water and sewer rates, please review 'Water and Sewer' or contact the Treasury Department at 613-432-4848.

Water Service

Residents and property owners located within the Town of Renfrew who are connected to Town water services have a water meter installed that is connected to their service line. At times, this meter needs to be serviced, and the property owner will be asked to contact the Development & Works department to schedule an appointment with our Water Technician. 

Any concerns related to your water meter should be directed to the Development and Works Department at 613-432-8166 x 300 or dw@renfrew.ca as soon as possible. 

Water Quality

The water quality within the Town of Renfrew is monitored and tested regularly. Routine flushing of water lines is completed as needed to ensure the integrity of the system. 

Annually, the Ontario Clean Water Association (OCWA) prepares an annual water report to satisfy the annual reporting requirements in O.Reg 170/03 section 11 & schedule 22. This report summarizes water treatment activities within the Town of Renfrew. 

2021 Annual Water Report

2021-22 DWS Inspection Report

The Drinking Water Quality Management System (DWQMS) requires that a review be completed by Top Management yearly. The report identifies how we’ve met the required standards of the DWQMS.

2020 DWQMS Top Management Review

Any concerns related to water quality should be reported directly to the Development & Works Department at 613-432-8166 x 300 or dw@renfrew.ca

Waste Water and Sanitary Services

The Town's sewer system is made up of the sewer lines on Town property that collect and send waste water or storm water to the Waste Water Treatment Facility, sewer lateral pipes that connect the home to the sewer main, and storm water drains. The Town of Renfrew conducts routine cleaning of sewers as required to ensure that wastewater from homes and businesses is efficiently transported to the Waste Water Treatment Plant, and although sewers are designed to handle average flow, melting snow, groundwater table elevation, intense rainfall or a combination of any of these factors can cause sewers to exceed their capacity. 

Foreign objects that are flushed into the Town's sewer lines can cause blockages and sewer backups. Even products marked 'flushable' or disposable' should not go down the drain or toilet. These products do not break down in the sewer system and can cause plugs in the sewer pipes, resulting in sewer backups and basement flooding for you or your neighbor. - No Wipes In the Pipes

If your home or business experiences a sewer backup, we recommend you contact your plumber who will contact the Development & Works Department once the problem has been identified. In addition, a CCTV Video inspections can be requested on behalf of the Owner or license plumber, and is at the homeowner's expense unless the issue is identified on Town property. Please refer to the Town of Renfrew's By-Law 66-2015 for the Town's policy regarding Storm and Sanitary sewer lines located on private property.

2020 Wastewater Annual Report

2021 Wastewater Annual Report

Sewer Safety

Property owner attempting to clear blockages on their private property should be aware that although it's rare, it’s possible that a natural gas line has unintentionally been installed through a sewer line. If you’re dealing with a wet basement due to a backed up sewer it’s important to put safety first. For a FREE natural gas sewer safety inspection, call Ontario One Call at 1-800-400-2255 

For more information regarding the Enbridge Gas Sewer Safety Inspection Program Click here 

The Town of Renfrew's winter maintenance program is carried out by using a set of standards that vary depending on the category of street cleared. These quality standards exceed provinicial minimum maintenance standards and provide for the safe and efficient movement of traffic, and a consistent level of service throughout the Town. For more information regarding the Town's Snow and Ice Policy CLICK HERE. 

The Town understands that accumulation of snow and ice can cause concern and challenges to residents. During heavy snow fall events, staff are often working around the clock, and therefore we do ask that residents remain patient, understanding, and stay off the road when possible. If you have concerns regarding winter maintenance, please contact the Development & Works Department at 613-432-8166 x 300 or dw@renfrew.ca. 

Plowing and Salting

Town crews address icy roads and intersections in the following order:

1. Primary - major arterial roads/sidewalks, intersections, and primary crosswalks
2. Secondary - collector streets and school crossings
3. Tertiary - residential streets and dead end roads. 

Plowing and Salting trucks are dispatched at the first sign of roads beginning to ice to the maintain minimum maintenance standards. Standards are listed with the Town's Snow and Ice Control Policy. 

Snow Removal On Roadways

In order to keep our community as safe as possible when snow removal is taking place, Renfrew’s streets are prioritized using pre-determined criteria.

1. Highways & Arterial Roads - Primary streets with greatest volume of traffic are plowed first to ensure access to vital Town infrastructure and community services.
2. Collector Roads - Secondary - These roads connect to arterials and include bus routes and school zones.
3. Residential Streets - when necessary 

No person shall park a vehicle or permit a vehicle to remain parked on any municipal parking lot or a street/highway between 2:00 a.m. and 7:00 a.m. from December 1 to March 31.  Vehicles parked on any street during these hours are subject to a fine.  Further, if the vehilce restricts winter maintenance operations it will be towed away at the owner's expense.

Snow and Ice Control Policy

Sidewalk Snow Clearning Map and Priority

Snow Removal Map and Priority