New Construction Standards

New subdivisions are subject to specific engineering design standards which are implemented by a subdivision agreement. The Subdivision Agreement speaks to things such as:

Letters of Credit
The developer of a subdivision is required to provide a Letter of Credit from a bank, to ensure funds are available to the Township to complete any required works or deficiencies not completed by the developer. The amount of the Letter of Credit can change over time, and is set in accordance with the terms of the agreement. A PDF of the standard Letter of Credit form can be obtained by clicking here.

Roads
Road allowance widths vary depending on the nature of the road. Low traffic roads are 18 metres, higher traffic roads are 20 metres, and streets with centre islands or within industrial areas are 26 metres wide. Within the road allowance are the paved portion of the (e.g., gas, phone, cable etc.), sidewalks, boulevard with trees. Cross section and road construction details are available from Township Engineering staff.

Prior to building permits being issued for the subdivision, the roads must be constructed with base asphalt, curb and gutter, in addition to other specific primary services.

Sanitary Sewers
Sanitary sewers collect waste water (from toilets, sinks, tubs, washing machines etc.) within serviced settlement areas which flows into the Region of Waterloo waste water treatment plant. The size of the sewer is based on flow requirements, but are typically 8 and 10 inch in diameter and designed in accordance with OPS standards. The sanitary sewers are located within the road allowance and have service laterals to the buildings.

Sidewalks
The Township standard for sidewalks is 1.5 metre wide concrete, on both sides of the street. They are found within the road allowance, typically between the paved portion of the road and the property line.

Storm Sewers and Stormwater Management Facilities
Storm sewers are typically sized to accommodate flow from a 5 year storm. The storm sewer collects rain water and carry it to the storm water management areas. These storm water management areas control water quality and quantity prior to the water out letting into a natural watercourse. Storm water facilities must be designed to meet Ministry of the Environment and Township design criteria and aesthetic guidelines, and have access for maintenance purposes.

The Grand River Conservation Authority also approves the grading, drainage and storm water management designs.

Trees (Boulevard)
Boulevard trees are Township owned trees and installed at the developers expense as part of the subdivision. The typical standard is to have approximately one tree per lot or about one tree every 8 to 10 metres. The Township has a list of preferred trees that are native to North America, deciduous, or appropriate to our climate and tolerant of road conditions. All trees are to be planted in accordance with typical Landscaping Standards.

Water
Water mains are pipes used to distribute water to buildings within the subdivision. Water main size (typically 6, 8, 10 and 12 inch in diameter) is determined by peak demand (fire flow) flow needs in the area, and are to be looped to ensure water quality. These mains are contained within the road allowance with laterals to the adjacent buildings. A water shut off valve is located at the property line to allow the municipality to turn water on and off to the building for maintenance purposes.

New water mains must meet Ministry of Environment standards for water quality prior to the lines being connected to the municipal system. Once the new watermain is installed the developer must perform a fire flow test to ensure actual flows meet design peak demand flows. Fire flow tests are to be approved by the Fire Chief prior to registration of the subdivision.

Easements
Easements are required for the installation and maintenance of services (i.e., water, sanitary, hydro) through private property and must be dedicated to the appropriate authority. Such easements are subject to the terms specified in the easement document. The lands containing the easement are still held in private ownership but the provisions of the easement may restrict or prohibit certain building, structures, and use of the land. A PDF copy of the standard easement wording for the Township is available by clicking here.