Who ultimately has authority over the jurisdiction of sewage systems?

The correct choice indicates that upper-tier municipalities and boards of health have authority over the jurisdiction of sewage systems. This is rooted in the structure of governance and regulatory responsibilities established in Ontario.

Upper-tier municipalities often oversee planning and infrastructure initiatives, which includes the management of sewage systems, to ensure compliance with regional policies and provincial regulations. Their role allows for local adaptation of these regulations to meet the specific needs of their communities.

Additionally, boards of health are specifically tasked with public health matters, which directly relate to environmental health issues, including wastewater management. They play a crucial role in ensuring that sewage systems are built and maintained in a manner that protects public health and the environment.

The other options do not encompass the full scope of authority as defined by the Ontario Building Code and other related legislation. For instance, while chief building officials have significant responsibilities regarding building permits and compliance, their purview does not extend to the jurisdiction of sewage systems independently. The province does set overarching regulations but delegates much of the operational authority to municipality and local health boards. City planners are involved in the planning and design phases but do not hold the regulatory authority over sewage systems. Therefore, the combined authority of upper-tier municipalities and boards of health reflects the collaborative approach to managing sewage infrastructure effectively