Ontario council adopts stronger water‑conservation ordinance

The City Council voted unanimously to adopt an ordinance amending Chapter 8A of Title 6 of the Ontario Municipal Code to strengthen the city’s water‑conservation plan. The public hearing on item 14 was opened and closed with no speakers and the council recorded a 5‑0 vote in favor.

Staff framed the ordinance as an update to local policy that aligns with state requirements while providing new city standards; the clerk confirmed notice and affidavits of compliance were on file. The council took the action during the same meeting when residents raised broader water‑resource concerns and asked the city to prioritize native, drought‑tolerant landscaping, bioswales and infiltration measures as turf is phased out.

Council members did not debate the ordinance at length in the recorded segments. The item was moved and seconded and recorded as passing 5‑0. Staff will implement the revised code via the Public Works department and return with any needed administrative updates.