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Septic Systems and Holding Tanks

Properties not connected to municipal sewer services rely on private septic systems or holding tanks to manage wastewater. Property owners are responsible for maintaining these systems and ensuring they comply with all applicable regulations. Proper maintenance helps protect local waterways and drinking water sources while extending the life of your system.

Septic Systems

Septic systems are privately owned and require regular inspection and maintenance to operate safely and effectively.

Property owners are responsible for:

  • maintaining their septic system
  • ensuring the system complies with regulations
  • arranging inspections and pump-outs as needed

Regular maintenance helps prevent system failure and protects nearby lakes, rivers, and groundwater.

The North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority is responsible for septic system inspections and sewage system permits under the Ontario Building Code throughout the Nipissing District and parts of the Parry Sound District, including the Trout Lake area.

Additional building permits may also be required through City of North Bay Building Services.

Trout Lake Septic Pump-Out Program

Trout Lake is the primary source of drinking water for the City of North Bay and hundreds of surrounding homes. Protecting water quality is essential to safeguarding public health and the long-term health of the lake. To help protect Trout Lake, City By-Law 2014-054 requires septic systems on properties located along the shoreline of Trout Lake or on watercourses that drain into Trout Lake to be pumped out regularly:

Under By-Law 2014-054, septic systems on properties:
  • located along the shoreline of Trout Lake, or
  • connected to a natural watercourse flowing into Trout Lake

must be pumped out:

  • every three years for permanent residences
  • every five years for seasonal residences used less than 12 weeks per year

Proof of pump-out must be submitted within 30 days of service and no later than September 30 of the required reporting year.

Routine pump-outs help:

  • protect drinking water quality
  • prevent sewage overflows and system failure
  • reduce environmental impacts
  • extend the life of septic systems

Industry best practices and Ministry guidelines recommend septic tanks be pumped every 3 to 5 years, depending on use.

To determine whether the by-law applies to your property:

Property owners within the regulated area must submit:

Submit by Mail

Environmental Services – City of North Bay
200 McIntyre St. East
North Bay, ON P1B 8V6

Submit by Email

proofofpumpout@northbay.ca

If you require confirmation that your septic system complies with By-Law 2014-054, complete the Septic System Compliance Enquiry Form.

Holding Tanks

Properties not connected to municipal sewer services may rely on registered sewage holding tanks to manage wastewater. Property owners are responsible for maintaining these systems and ensuring they comply with all applicable regulations. Regular pumpouts help prevent overflows, protect local waterways and drinking water sources, and support the safe operation of the system.

Holding Tank Rebate Program

Property owners using registered sewage holding tanks may be eligible for a rebate of $16.15 per cubic metre after having their tank pumped by a licensed liquid waste hauler. This program applies only to holding tanks and does not include septic systems or tile bed systems. The following information outlines eligibility, requirements, and how to apply:

To qualify for the rebate:

  • the holding tank must be located within the City of North Bay
  • the holding tank must be registered with the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority or the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks
  • property taxes must be up to date
  • pump-out service must be completed by a licensed liquid waste hauler
  • applicants must provide a valid paid invoice or receipt

The City will verify holding tank registration and confirm that property taxes are up to date as part of the application review process. If your holding tank is not registered, it can be registered through the North Bay-Mattawa Conservation Authority.

  1. Have your holding tank pumped by a licensed liquid waste operator.
  2. Complete the Holding Tank Pump-Out Rebate Application Form and attach a copy of the paid invoice or receipt from the hauler.
  3. Submit your application using one of the following options:
    • Complete and submit the online application form; or
    • Download and print the PDF application form and submit it by mail or in person at the City Hall Customer Service Centre.

 

Holding Tank Pump-Out Rebate Application Form

Contact
Victoria Thomas
Environmental Control Officer
Victoria.Thomas@northbay.ca 705-474-0400 ext. 5221
Environment & Sustainability
Energy Management Water Conservation Drinking Water Source Protection Low Flow Toilet Replacement Rebate Program PFAS Information Septic Systems and Holding Tanks