Chatham-Kent’s authority on water and wastewater services could see some major changes later this year.
During a special meeting on Monday night, Chatham-Kent administration will recommend that council dissolve the CK Public Utilities Commission (PUC) and create a Water and Wastewater Services department that would shift water and wastewater governance directly under municipal council.
If approved, all assets, employees and legal authority would be transferred to council, with department staff reporting to Chatham-Kent’s Chief Administrative Officer.
The recommendation was initially made as part of a PUC governance review, which was conducted by consulting firm KPMG at the behest of council in November 2024.
According to the review, the change in the governance model would “establish clearly defined operational roles, responsibilities, and decision-making frameworks to eliminate ambiguity and duplication.”
“Centralizing governance streamlines decision-making, aligns operations with municipal policies, and ensures that all major decisions are subject to council approval. This increases both transparency and accountability,” administration said in its report to council. “Integration also supports transparent reporting and direct council oversight, so strategic decisions consistently reflect community priorities.”
The transition process from the PUC to a municipal department is expected to take four to six months to complete, to allow for detailed licensing, regulatory requirements, and legal steps to be taken. During this time, the PUC would continue to operate under the current governance model.
Administration said the transition will not impact water and wastewater services for Chatham-Kent residents.
Council was previously asked to vote on the change to the PUC in mid-December 2025, but a motion narrowly passed to defer the decision to allow for more information to be disclosed.
