Historic use of PFAS
Per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are human-made chemicals that have been used in a range of industrial and consumer products, including firefighting foams.
In North Bay, historic firefighting training activities conducted from the early 1970s to the mid-1990s at Jack Garland Airport and 22 Wing/CFB North Bay have been identified as the primary source of PFAS impacts on airport lands and surrounding areas. At the time, these practices followed accepted industry standards; however, PFAS use is now restricted due to increased understanding of environmental and health impacts.
Drinking Water and Environmental Safety
Municipal Drinking Water
PFAS levels detected in North Bay’s municipal drinking water supply remain below the interim guidance values set by Ontario’s Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).
Drinking water quality is closely monitored and regulated under Ontario’s Safe Drinking Water Act. Results of all municipal drinking water sampling, including PFAS levels, are published annually in the City’s Drinking Water Annual Reports, which are presented to City Council and available on the City’s website.
Prior to 2021, PFAS sampling for municipal drinking water was conducted by the MECP and are not included in reports from those years.
Lees Creek
A long-standing drinking water advisory remains in place for Lees Creek. The MECP has also issued a fish consumption advisory for fish from Lees Creek.
Evolving Science and Regulations
Scientific understanding of PFAS continues to evolve, and drinking water standards are updated as new information becomes available.
Recently, Health Canada adopted an objective of 30 nanograms per litre (ng/L) for a sum of 25 specific PFAS in drinking water.
- Health Canada’s objective serves as a national benchmark, recognizing that achieving lower limits may take time due to technical and financial complexity.
Ontario’s MECP currently uses an interim advice value of 70 ng/L.
- In Ontario, enforceable drinking water standards are established by the provincial government.
Jack Garland Airport PFAS Remediation Project
Project Overview
The City of North Bay and the Department of National Defence (DND) are working collaboratively to remediate PFAS impacts at Jack Garland Airport. The federal government is funding the majority of the remediation work.
The City is fully committed to this initiative and will continue to move the remediation work forward as quickly as possible while prioritizing the safety and health of our residents.
Funding and Agreements
In 2021, the City and DND entered into a $20 million contribution agreement to support PFAS studies and remediation at the airport.
In December 2025, DND announced an amendment to this agreement, increasing total funding to approximately $120 million. The amended agreement provides $100 million in additional federal funding, spans a 16-year period, and funds approximately 97% of the planned airport remediation work.
Drinking Water Treatment Support
In addition to airport remediation funding, the City and DND have entered into a separate contribution agreement of up to $8.25 million.
This funding supports the engineering and design of upgrades to the North Bay Drinking Water Treatment Plant and a six-month pilot program to test PFAS treatment options.
Monitoring and Ongoing Work
Since 2017, the City has worked with DND, the MECP, and the NBPSDHU to support regular testing and monitoring of PFAS in Trout Lake, Lees Creek, and nearby residential wells
To support timely remediation, the City has also undertaken its own environmental investigations of soil and groundwater at Jack Garland Airport.
Remediation Progress and Next Steps
The City has retained Jacobs Consultancy Canada Inc., a leading environmental consulting firm, to support remediation efforts at the airport.
On-site remediation began in 2024 and includes:
- Removal and treatment of the most highly contaminated soil
- Injection of adsorptive materials at identified groundwater hot spots
- Installation of treatment measures at surface water exit points to prevent downstream migration of PFAS
Remediation and monitoring will continue as work progresses and as scientific and regulatory guidance evolves.
Public Health Information
The City of North Bay works closely with the North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit (NBPSDHU) and the MECP to address PFAS-related concerns.
The NBPSDHU is the primary authority for health-related questions and guidance related to PFAS exposure. Residents with health-related concerns are encouraged to contact the NBPSDHU directly for the most accurate and up-to-date information.
Public Information Sessions
Nov. 19, 2025
City of North Bay and DND co-hosted a public information session to share updates on remediation progress and ongoing studies. Subject matter experts, including representatives from the MECP and NBPSDHU were available to respond to questions.
June 20, 2024
An earlier public information session provided an overview of PFAS issues in North Bay, current studies, and planned remediation efforts, with participation from provincial and local health partners.
Related Information
Contacts
Karin Pratte, P. Eng.
Senior Environment & Facilities Engineer