Stormwater Management Funding Strategy

In 2023 and 2024, the County explored a Stormwater Utility Program as an option to fund stormwater management and many residents took the time to share feedback.

We heard that:

• There was a need for more information and education around stormwater management
• The funding model presented required clearer explanation and so was not well understood
• Residents wanted to better understand impacts and how stormwater affected them

As a result, we paused to learn and better understand frustrations, improve data, and clarify information and available options.

Since that time, we have:

• Developed enhanced education materials
• Built a 10-year operating and capital forecast and are preparing to present equitable funding options in 2027
• Strengthened how we will explain stormwater management systems, costs, and community impacts

We are grateful to everyone who took the time to share their feedback on the last project. It has directly shaped how we are approaching this important work going forward.

Our system continues to face pressure from:

• Aging infrastructure
• More frequent and intense storms
• Provincial requirements for sustainable funding

It is important to remember that the stormwater management system, currently funded through property taxes, will continue to be funded. That’s the law. The question is how?

Our current funding model is no longer enough to support long-term needs and delaying action increases risk to your property, public safety, the environment, and future municipal costs. Moving forward now allows the County to plan ahead, reduce long-term costs, and build a more resilient system.