Stormwater management is crucial for preventing flooding and protecting property, controlling erosion, and protecting natural waterways like the Grand River. It is also a shared responsibility across all communities in the County of Brant.
The Stormwater Management Funding Strategy project focuses on one key question - It is not if we fund stormwater management, but how we fund it.
What we heard and what has changed
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.
Moving 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.
Start here
Start here to better understand how stormwater is managed in the County of Brant and why it's an important system for the entire community.
For more details about the County’s stormwater system, visit brant.ca/Stormwater.
What to expect and when
Engagement for this project will take place in phases.
Stay Informed
Subscribe for updates and be the first to get more information about this project. Simply add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.
Have questions or comments about stormwater management in the County? Let us know!
Stormwater management is crucial for preventing flooding and protecting property, controlling erosion, and protecting natural waterways like the Grand River. It is also a shared responsibility across all communities in the County of Brant.
The Stormwater Management Funding Strategy project focuses on one key question - It is not if we fund stormwater management, but how we fund it.
What we heard and what has changed
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.
Moving 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.
Start here
Start here to better understand how stormwater is managed in the County of Brant and why it's an important system for the entire community.
For more details about the County’s stormwater system, visit brant.ca/Stormwater.
What to expect and when
Engagement for this project will take place in phases.
Stay Informed
Subscribe for updates and be the first to get more information about this project. Simply add your email to the Stay Informed box on this page and click ‘Subscribe'.
Have questions or comments about stormwater management in the County? Let us know!
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the September Stormwater Pond Walk and Talks in St. George and Paris.
We appreciated the opportunity to meet with residents, answer questions and talk about how stormwater is managed across the County of Brant.
The County is responsible for approximately $259 million in stormwater infrastructure, including ponds, pipes, drains and other infrastructure that helps manage rainwater and reduce flooding.
Today, the stormwater system is funded through property taxes. Looking ahead, aging infrastructure, more intense weather and new regulatory requirements are increasing the need to plan for how this system will be maintainedContinue reading
Thank you to everyone who joined us for the September Stormwater Pond Walk and Talks in St. George and Paris.
We appreciated the opportunity to meet with residents, answer questions and talk about how stormwater is managed across the County of Brant.
The County is responsible for approximately $259 million in stormwater infrastructure, including ponds, pipes, drains and other infrastructure that helps manage rainwater and reduce flooding.
Today, the stormwater system is funded through property taxes. Looking ahead, aging infrastructure, more intense weather and new regulatory requirements are increasing the need to plan for how this system will be maintained and funded over the long term.
In spring 2027, we will begin a community conversation about stormwater funding. Residents will have opportunities to learn about different funding options and provide feedback to help inform the County’s approach.
Learn more this fall
Before that conversation begins, we are continuing to offer opportunities to learn more about stormwater and why it matters.
Our family-friendly, hands-on stormwater demonstrations will be popping up at community events this fall. Join us at the Burford Fall Fair on Saturday, October 3, from 12:00 pm to 4:00 pm to see how stormwater moves through our communities and ask County staff your questions.
Ever wonder where rainwater goes when it pours? Come find out with us!
Join the County of Brant team for a casual, family-friendly, 1-hour guided walk around our local stormwater management pond. Whether you are young or just young at heart, come explore how these hard-working watery spaces keep our neighborhoods safe from flooding!
Sunnyside Stormwater Pond 30 Southampton Drive, St George Wednesday, September 16, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Grandville Phase 2 Pond 146 Grandville Circle, Paris Wednesday, September 23, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Ever wonder where rainwater goes when it pours? Come find out with us!
Join the County of Brant team for a casual, family-friendly, 1-hour guided walk around our local stormwater management pond. Whether you are young or just young at heart, come explore how these hard-working watery spaces keep our neighborhoods safe from flooding!
Sunnyside Stormwater Pond 30 Southampton Drive, St George Wednesday, September 16, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
Grandville Phase 2 Pond 146 Grandville Circle, Paris Wednesday, September 23, 6:00 - 7:00 pm
RSVP required
Email operations@brant.ca to save your spot! Bring your curiosity, your walking shoes, and the whole family.
What We Will Explore
How it works: See the secret life of pipes, inlets, and outlets!
Why it matters: Learn how these ponds protect our environment and local waterways like the Grand River.
Safety first: Get important tips on why we need to keep a safe distance and why these ponds are strictly for water management - not play!
Looking ahead: Learn with us now and in Spring 2027, we will explore with the community how we can sustainably fund this vital infrastructure.
Click here to play video
Stormwater management in the County of Brant
Let’s talk about stormwater management in the County of Brant.
When stormwater isn’t properly managed it can lead to flooding, infrastructure damage including properties and roads, erosion of riverbanks causing water safety issues, and can also lead to increased pollution to the environment such as oils, grease, fuels and fertilizers, just to name a few.
Click here to play video
Life cycle of a raindrop
Every drop of rain has a story. The second video on stormwater management follows a raindrop on its journey through the stormwater management system, and discover how we maintain each part to keep our environment healthy.
By understanding and maintaining each component of the stormwater system, we protect our waterways, reduce flooding, and support healthy ecosystems.
Learn more about stormwater management and infrastructure at brant.ca/Stormwater
Click here to play video
Charlton Park Infiltration Stormwater Management Facility
Charleton Park in the community of Paris. Most people do not realize that Charlton Park is a stormwater facility, which helps manage and control runoff from rainfall and snowmelt. Charleton Park has infiltration trenches installed under the grassed area of the park.
Infiltration trenches are designed to capture rainwater and allow it to seep into the ground. This natural process helps reduce flooding and recharge groundwater.
Learn more about stormwater management and infrastructure at brant.ca/Stormwater
Click here to play video
Stormwater management systems: Wet and dry ponds
Wet and dry ponds, which are stormwater management systems that are both vital for managing stormwater, and each with unique functions and maintenance needs.
Wet facilities provide habitat and water filtration, while dry facilities control stormwater volume. Both are essential to sustainable water management and by understanding their functions and maintenance needs, communities can make informed decisions about sustainable stormwater management. Together, we can protect our water resources and enhance our environment.
Learn more about stormwater management at brant.ca/Stormwater and join us in protecting our water resources.
Click here to play video
Stormwater management systems: Oil and Grit Separators
Oil and Grit Separators, or OGS, are systems designed to clean stormwater before it enters the natural environment. They capture oil, grease, and dirt from rainwater runoff, keeping our environment safe.
By keeping Oil and Grit Separators in good shape, we all help keep our environment clean and our water safe for future generations.
For more tips on protecting our water, visit brant.ca/Stormwater
Click here to play video
Stormwater management systems: Municipal drains
Municipal drains remove excess water collected by residential lots and agricultural, industrial or commercial lands. Municipal drains can be in the form of a ditch or buried underground with a closed pipe or tile system. They can also include pumping stations, grassed waterways, buffer strips, culverts, bridges or even creeks and small rivers.
The County of Brant conducts maintenance on municipal drains as needed.
For more information visit: brant.ca/MunicipalDrains
