Scotland and Oakland Master Environmental Servicing Plan

The County of Brant continues to move forward with planning work that will help guide future infrastructure and community growth in Scotland and Oakland.

In 2024, the County began the Scotland and Oakland Master Environmental Servicing Plan and Community Master Plan to better understand how these communities can grow in a sustainable way.

What has happened so far

Phase One of the study was completed in early 2025. This phase included background research and a high level review of existing infrastructure and environmental conditions in both communities.

The work identified several areas that require further study, including:

• Drinking water quality
• Stormwater management
• Transportation infrastructure

As part of this work, a Water Quality Advisory was mailed to property owners in Scotland and Oakland in March 2025. The advisory shared information about nitrates found in groundwater and provided guidance for private well owners.

Following the Phase One findings, Council approved moving forward with Phase Two of the Master Environmental Servicing Plan.

What happens next

The project is now entering Phase Two of the study.

This phase will develop an integrated Master Servicing Plan that will examine possible solutions for water, wastewater, stormwater, and transportation infrastructure in Scotland and Oakland.

The study will evaluate a range of options, including both private and municipal servicing approaches. The goal is to identify solutions that support the long-term needs of the community through to 2051.

A transportation study will also take place at the same time to better understand how roads and travel within and around the communities may need to change as the area grows.

Opportunity for input

There will be another opportunity for property owners and residents to review information and share feedback as the study progresses.

A public open house will be held this spring to share information, present study findings, and talk about potential servicing options. More information including the date, time, and location will be shared with you as information is confirmed.

Stay informed

If you would like to receive updates about this project, please subscribe to the project page by adding your email to the Stay Informed box and click ‘Subscribe'. This will ensure you receive notifications when new information and engagement opportunities are available.

The County of Brant began a combined Master Environmental Servicing Plan (MESP) and Community Master Plan (CMP) in 2024 to ensure that proposed community growth occurs in a sustainable manner in the communities of Scotland and Oakland.

Phase One of the MESP was completed in early 2025, consisting of desktop studies of the existing environment and a high-level servicing feasibility study. Results of Phase One indicated concerns with drinking water quality, stormwater management and transportation infrastructure. A Water Quality Advisory was mailed out to residents of Scotland and Oakland the week of March 17, 2025 to educate private well owners about the presence of nitrates in their groundwater resource and how this relates to public health. These findings of the study were brought forward to Council on February 25, 2025, and Council approved the subsequent recommendation to initiate an integrated Master Servicing Plan, completed in accordance with the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process, as Phase Two of the MESP.

The County of Brant invites you to engage with us by providing your comments regarding the study and evaluation of alternatives in determining the preferred solutions for water, wastewater, stormwater and transportation, including options for both municipal and private servicing, for the communities of Scotland and Oakland.

Opportunity for public input will be provided throughout the study, with direct mailings to review agencies and members of the public who have indicated interest. In addition, Public Information Centres (PICs) will be conducted to present the project information and considered alternatives. At the completion of the study, a project file will be made available for 30-day public review.

For further information relating to this project or to be added to the project mailing list, please contact:

View the complete Notice of Commencement.

Subscribe for updates and be the first to learn more about this project. Add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.

You are invited to a Public Information Meeting to learn about the MESP process, the goals of the studies being conducted, and how these studies aim to shape the future of your community. We look forward to seeing you!

• Thursday, November 28, 2024 from 6:00 pm - 8:00 pm
• Scotland Community Centre, 85 Simcoe Street, Scotland ON N0E1R0

Questions?

Please contact the Project Lead, Stefanie DiGiovanni, Project Engineer:
stefanie.digiovanni@brant.ca
226-388-0032

The first phase of the Master Environmental Servicing Plan (MESP) is to conduct research using available information to understand the current conditions in the communities of Scotland and Oakland. The primary outcome of the first phase will include a list of servicing alternatives for future planning for the communities of Scotland and Oakland. The County of Brant will be soliciting engagement from the communities at the completion of Phase 1 of this study to ensure the County and its residents can collaboratively develop a community growth plan that makes sense for all involved. Currently underway, phase 1 is anticipated to be completed by the end of 2024.

Thus far, the County of Brant has begun evaluating the existing conditions within the communities, including the water quality via a residential water quality sampling program. To help us develop a better understanding of your current water quality, a letter was delivered to residents requesting participation in this program.

Please subscribe for updates and be the first to learn more about this project by adding your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.