What are PFAS?
Per- and polyfluoroalkylated substances (PFAS) are a group of human-made chemicals that have been used in a variety of industrial and consumer products, including firefighting foams, non-stick cookware, stain-resistant fabrics, and food packaging.
PFAS are sometimes referred to as "forever chemicals" because they break down very slowly in the environment.
In North Bay, historic firefighting training activities conducted by the Department of National Defence (DND) from the early 1970s to the mid-1990s at Jack Garland Airport and 22 Wing/CFB North Bay have been identified as the 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. The City of North Bay assumed ownership of the airport lands from the federal government in 1998.
At a Glance
- PFAS have been detected in groundwater and surface water in parts of North Bay.
- PFAS levels in North Bay's municipal drinking water remain below the interim guidance values established by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).
- The City, Department of National Defence (DND), MECP, and North Bay Parry Sound District Health Unit continue to monitor PFAS and support remediation efforts.
- An MECP drinking water advisory remains in place for Lees Creek, and the MECP has issued a fish consumption advisory for fish from the creek.
- Long-term remediation work is underway at Jack Garland Airport and 22 Wing/CFB North Bay.
For information on remediation activities, project timelines, funding, reports, and updates, visit the Jack Garland Airport PFAS Remediation Project page.
Drinking Water
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 Advisories
A long-standing MECP drinking water advisory remains in place for Lees Creek. The MECP has also issued a fish consumption advisory for fish from Lees Creek.
Residents should follow all current provincial advisories and recommendations.
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.
Drinking Water Standards and Guidelines
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.
Monitoring and Testing
Monitoring and testing have been carried out by various agencies and organizations in::
- Municipal drinking water
- Trout Lake
- Lees Creek
- Nearby residential wells
- Groundwater and surface water in the vicinity of Jack Garland Airport and 22 Wing/CFB North Bay
Monitoring programs continue to support environmental assessment, public health protection, and remediation efforts.
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
Contact
Karin Pratte, P. Eng.
Senior Environment & Facilities Engineer