“Recognition like this affirms the value of continually looking for smarter ways to operate our (long-term care) homes and support the people who live in them.” – Paolo Varias, Niagara Region’s Director of Seniors Services.
A News Release from Niagara’s Regional Government
Posted September 2nd, 2026 on Niagara At Large
At the Regional Council meeting on Aug. 27, Niagara Region received the Ontario Water Works Association’s 2026 Water and Energy Efficiency Award of Excellence. This honour recognizes organizations that demonstrate innovation, measurable impact and leadership in advancing water and energy efficiency across Ontario.
“This award is a positive reflection of Niagara Region’s commitment to responsible, forward-looking municipal leadership. It aligns with Council’s priorities by demonstrating how thoughtful investments can reduce resource use, improve operational efficiency and build more sustainable Regional facilities for the future,” said Acting Regional Chair Tom Insinna.
Niagara’s winning submission highlighted the integration of an ozone‑based laundry system with high‑efficiency, low‑flow toilet replacements at Rapelje Lodge. These upgrades delivered measurable water and energy savings in two high‑demand areas of the long-term care home.
The ozone laundry system reduced hot‑water and natural gas use by up to 45 per cent and lowered electricity consumption, while the toilet retrofit cut flush volume from 13.2 litres to 4.8 litres per flush. Together, these improvements reduced site water use by more than 2,500 cubic metres in 2025, a 16 per cent decrease, without compromising resident care or infection prevention.
“Recognition like this affirms the value of continually looking for smarter ways to operate our homes and support the people who live in them,” said Paolo Varias, Director of Seniors Services.
Acting Regional Chair Tom Insinna (left) and Chief Administrative Officer Ron Trip (right) are presented with the Ontario Water Works Association’s 2026 Water and Energy Efficiency Award of Excellence by Mackenzie Schultz (centre), Chair of the Association’s Water Energy and Efficiency Committee. photo courtesy of Niagara Region
“Our teams are focused on practical improvements that strengthen service delivery, enhance quality of care, make the best use of public resources and can inform future operational decisions across Seniors Services.”
While the award recognizes the work completed at Rapelje Lodge, Niagara Region has now implemented these efficiency measures across all seven of its long‑term care homes, supporting broader sustainability, operational performance and responsible resource management.
Acting Regional Chair Tom Insinna (left) and Chief Administrative Officer Ron Trip (right) are presented with the Ontario Water Works Association’s 2026 Water and Energy Efficiency Award of Excellence by Mackenzie Schultz (centre), Chair of the Association’s Water Energy and Efficiency Committee.
NIAGARA AT LARGE Encourages You To Join The Conversation By Sharing Your Views On This Post In The Space Below and by sharing the Niagara At Large site at www.niagaraatlarge.com with all of your friends and associates.
Visit us every day on www.niagaraat.arge.com and on Doug Draper’s Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/doug.draper.180 and encourage everyone else you know to do the same. Let’s build media outlets for local news and commentary!
Niagara At Large 