FAQs

Hard surface area, or impervious area, stops water from soaking into the ground where it lands. The more hard surface area a property has, the more stormwater runoff it creates and the faster the stormwater runs off, creating greater flooding risks. Runoff from hard surfaces can also convey pollutants. This means that large properties with lots of hard surfaces have a greater impact on our stormwater system. Small properties and properties with lots of green space have a smaller impact on our stormwater system. An equitable stormwater fee should account for this difference.

If not dealt with properly, stormwater can cause erosion and flooding. This can damage our homes, roads and public spaces. 

Stormwater also affects the health of our surrounding ecosystems and local rivers – impacting how we live, work and play in local waterbodies. As stormwater runs off surfaces like driveways, parking lots and fields it can pick up pollutants, such as sediment, metals, fertilizers, pesticides and litter and carry them into natural water bodies like the Otonabee River. Low water quality can reduce biodiversity, limit water-based recreation and increase strain on water treatment plants.

Stormwater management is currently funded through property taxes, the wastewater surcharge and by a dedicated charge that you can see on your water bill, called the Stormwater Management Fee. This fee is approximately $32.76 per year per $100,000 of residential property assessment. 

Example Using Current Billing Method:

21. Property valued at $300,000 according to MPAC
22. Stormwater Management Fee: $32.76 x 3 = $98.28 per year
23. Monthly Bill: $98.28 / 12 = $8.19

The current fee was implemented in early 2025 as an interim solution as the City explores alternative funding solutions. This study will build on this interim solution to select a new funding model that supports environmental and funding goals while improving fairness and equity. 

Ditches, culverts and creeks in rural areas are part of the City’s stormwater system and help move water away from rural properties. Ditches and culverts require regular inspection and maintenance by City staff to keep them working efficiently.

Even though rural areas have fewer buildings than cities, they still produce stormwater runoff when it rains. That runoff can carry things like soil, fertilizers, and other pollutants into the stormwater system and nearby rivers. This kind of runoff can lead to erosion and harm the natural environment – just like it does in urban areas.

The City’s stormwater management program also helps keep our streets free of flooding and protects public spaces for all residents to enjoy. Even if you aren’t directly connected to the sewer system this critical infrastructure keeps our community moving.

Many cities in Ontario and across Canada offer stormwater incentives like ongoing credits or one-time rebates to property owners that reduce their impact on the stormwater system by using rain gardens, detention ponds, oil-grit separators or other systems that help water soak into the ground or clean it before it runs off. These kinds of solutions reduce the load on the City’s stormwater system and help protect local waterbodies. 

The project team will consider various incentive programs as the study progresses. 

Some activities were originally excluded from the interim stormwater fee because they serve multiple purposes, like keeping roads clear of debris, sewer flushing (when done for both sanitary and storm sewers) and spill response.

 Future changes to the stormwater fee will consider options for increased funding consolidation wherever it makes sense.