Brockton council is being asked to decide whether the municipality should charge or waive septage disposal fees tied to the upcoming 2026 International Plowing Match.
A report going before council on Tuesday, June 23, 2026 outlines options for handling wastewater and septage generated during the event, which is expected to draw large crowds to the municipality this fall.
According to the report, the International Plowing Match is expected to produce significant wastewater volumes from the tented city and campgrounds, with estimates of about 200,000 litres of septage.
“The IPM originally estimated that sewage disposal fees would cost $35,000 based on 2024 estimates for the size of Tented City,” the report notes.
However, updated calculations from staff suggest the actual cost would be lower under municipal rates.
“Based on 200,000 L of septage, the disposal fees for disposing and treating septage are approximately $8,800 based on the municipal fees and charges by-law,” the report states.
Staff is recommending council charge for disposal based on actual usage, arguing it aligns with existing municipal practices.
Under the recommended Option A, “the Municipality charges for septage disposal based on actual volumes received” and “event contractors or organizers are responsible for disposal costs.”
The report says this approach would ensure “taxpayers and the wastewater rate base” are not used to subsidize external events and would maintain a user-pay model for wastewater services.
The alternative would see Brockton waive the fees entirely, with the municipality absorbing the costs as part of its support for the event.
Under Option B, “disposal fees are waived” and “the Municipality absorbs treatment and associated operational costs.”
Staff caution that waiving the fees could expose the municipality to financial risk if actual wastewater volumes exceed current estimates, and could set expectations for similar treatment at future events.
The report will be considered at Tuesday night’s council meeting.
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