On this page:

1. Stormwater user-fee
2. Stormwater credits
3. Stormwater credit policy

Stormwater user-fee

We fund your stormwater management through a stormwater user-fee funding model.

The average single dwelling homeowner user-fee is about $20.15 per month. 

The stormwater user-fee appears on your monthly utility bill. Please refer to the rate table below to see the rate applicable to your property. 

Stormwater rates table

The following table shows our current stormwater rate schedule, effective January 1, 2024:

Stormwater Classification Code

Basis for Charge

2024 Monthly Charge

Residential Single Detached

Small

 

Detached homes with building footprint* size of 105 m2 or less

 

$12.07

Residential Single Detached

Medium

Detached homes with building footprint* between 106-236 m2

$20.15

Residential Single Detached

Large

Detached homes with building footprint* size of 237 m2 or more

$26.48

Residential

Townhouse/Semi-Detached

Per dwelling unit

$14.38

Residential Condominium

Per dwelling unit

$8.01

Multi-Residential duplex

Per building

$16.12

Multi-Residential triplex

Per building

$24.23

Multi-Residential four-plex        

Per building

$32.21

Multi-Residential five-plex

Per building

$40.32

Multi-Residential (>5 units)

Per property (according to number of dwelling units)

$4.05

Non-Residential Smallest

26 - 1,051 m2 of impervious area

$38.54

Non-Residential Small

1,052 - 1,640 m2 of impervious area

$103.05

Non-Residential Medium-Low  

1,641 - 7,676 m2 of impervious area

$270.00

Non-Residential Medium-High

7,677 - 16,324 m2 of impervious area

$788.17

Non-Residential Large

16,325 - 39,034 m2 of impervious area

$1,910.23

Non-Residential Largest

39,035 m2 or greater of impervious area

$4,100.84
 How your user-fee is calculated
Your stormwater user-fee applies funds directly to stormwater management.

A series of rate tiers are calculated based on:

  • property type and size of impervious area
  • varying degrees of water runoff generated from the property

Properties with a high percentage of impervious areas, like buildings, driveways and parking lots typically create a lot of runoff because these surfaces do not allow water to absorb into the earth.
 Impervious areas
  • rooftops
  • driveways
  • parking areas
  • patios
  • garages
  • other hard surfaces that block the entry of rainwater into the ground

For more information on stormwater management, the stormwater funding model, or stormwater rates, call us by phone at 519-741-2484.

Stormwater credits

Apply for a residential credit

Residential credits

You can earn a credit on your home’s stormwater utility fee by using measures like:

  • rain barrels
  • cisterns
  • infiltration galleries
  • rain gardens
  • permeable pavers

Complete our residential application for your:

  • single-detached home
  • semi-detached home
  • townhome
  • condominium
  • duplex, triplex, four-plex and five-plex homes

Basic residential credit

The basic credit is earned by capturing between 200 and 800 litres of stormwater, earning a 20 per cent credit on your stormwater utility fee.

Examples of what could earn this credit:

  • 1-4 rain barrels
  • a small cistern

Normal residential credit

The normal credit is earned by capturing between 801 and 3,200 litres of stormwater, earning a 30 per cent credit on your stormwater utility fee.

Examples of what could earn this credit:

  • a cistern
  • a combination of small cisterns and rain barrels

Enhanced residential credit

The enhanced credit is earned by capturing more than 3,200 litres of stormwater, earning a 45 per cent credit on your stormwater utility fee.

Examples of what could earn this credit:

  • a large cistern
  • an infiltration gallery

Apply online

Complete the online application form with:

  • a copy of your utility bill
  • the measurements of the stormwater practices you’ll use
  • water volume calculations to figure out how much of a credit you will earn

You can also apply online through our e-billing service by using the online form in the tool.

If you require a different format of the residential credit application, contact us by email.

Non-residential credits

Complete our non-residential application if you own one of the following property types:

  • industrial
  • commercial
  • retail
  • institutional
  • multi-residential buildings with more than five dwelling units.

You can earn a combination of quality, quantity and education credits for a maximum credit of 45 per cent of your monthly fee.

Quality credit

Stormwater runoff often picks up particles from paved surfaces, degrading the quality of the water. You can earn a quality credit by lowering the amount of material that stormwater picks up through a combination of filter strips, paved area sweeping programs and salt management programs.

You can earn one of three quality credits:

  • basic: for removing 60% of the suspended particles in your runoff you will receive a 5% credit
  • normal: for removing 70% of the suspended particles in your runoff you will receive a 10% credit
  • enhanced: for removing 80% of the suspended particles in your runoff you will receive a 15% credit

Quantity credit

This credit is based on the amount of impervious area that directs water to an approved management practice. The maximum quantity credit is 25%.

Education credit

Education credits are available for non-residential property owners. To earn the 5% credit you must educate employees, the public or students about flood prevention and pollution reduction.

Learn more about the requirements for this credit.

Paved areas sweeping program

To receive a credit for a paved area sweeping program you must submit a detailed paved area sweeping plan that:

  • defines the areas being swept
  • how often it will be swept – at least twice a month
  • how you’ll dispose of debris
  • the type of sweeper used
  • documentation of the plan being implemented

Proof of the plan being implemented can be paid invoices, employee timesheets or a signed certification of work by the sweeping company.

Salt management plans

To receive a credit for a salt management plan you must use a Smart About Salt certified contractor. If your property is a business and you want your employees to maintain the site, they must become certified through the Smart About Salt program.

The program teaches property owners how to maintain safe winter conditions while using the least amount of salt possible. Learn more about the program from the Smart About Salt website.

Stormwater credit policy

View our stormwater credit policy information.

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