FAQs

Stormwater is rain or melted snow that flows over surfaces like roads and roofs and enters the stormwater management system.

A stormwater management system is the installation and application of infrastructure, naturally designed systems and ongoing operational programs that reduce the impacts of stormwater on our communities and the natural environment.

The stormwater management system manages rainwater across the County of Brant and includes:

• Over 1,200 km of ditches
• 180 km of storm sewers
• 29 stormwater management ponds
• More than 5,400 catch basins and structures 

For more information, please visit brant.ca/Stormwater.

The system is designed to manage runoff in a safe and controlled way by helping to:

• Prevent flooding
• Reduce erosion
• Protect water quality in local waterways 

The need for sustainable funding remains. Feedback from 2023 and 2024 showed that more education and clarity were needed before moving forward.

The system is under increasing pressure due to several factors:

• Aging infrastructure that needs repair and replacement - Much of our pipework and drainage is decades old and requires ongoing operation, maintenance, and capital renewal.
• More frequent and intense storms - We are experiencing more frequent and intense storms that the original system wasn't designed to handle.
• New provincial requirements for long-term planning - New provincial regulations (O. Reg. 588/17) require municipalities to have sustainable funding mechanisms and proactive asset management plans. The Consolidated Linear Infrastructure Environmental Compliance Approval is a regulatory framework in Ontario and also holds the County accountable to ongoing operations and maintenance of these assets.
• Limited funding to support large infrastructure replacements - When stormwater infrastructure reaches its end of useful life, the cost for lifecycle replacement can be significant. The establishment of a dedicated stormwater fund can assist in building savings to reduce significant increases to residents in the years that require large investment. 

Our current stormwater management system includes assets valued at approximately $215 million (2024).

Currently stormwater managing is funded through property tax. Stormwater management needs to be funded to maintain and replace aging infrastructure.

The goal of this project is to explore fair and sustainable funding options. Costs will depend on the option selected.

It is possible that funding stormwater management through property taxes remains the approach but the current funding model is no longer enough to support long-term needs.

Stormwater infrastructure is aging and requires significant investment for maintenance and replacement. These costs can be difficult to manage within existing tax funding alone.

Infrastructure is aging, storms are becoming more intense, and regulations require long-term planning. Delaying increases risk and cost.

Stormwater infrastructure moves water away from where it can cause harm.

When it works well, it helps to:

• Reduce flooding on streets and around your home
• Lower the risk of water entering basements
• Protect roads and nearby infrastructure from damage

Stormwater management protects more than individual properties. It supports the systems you rely on every day across the communities we all call home.

Even if your property does not flood, stormwater still needs to be managed to:

• Keep roads safe and passable during heavy rain
• Protect bridges, culverts, and public infrastructure
• Reduce strain on storm sewers and drainage systems
• Limit erosion and protect local waterways
• Support access to schools, businesses, and community services

Stormwater flows across the entire community. Managing it is a shared responsibility. The system works best when it is planned, maintained, and funded as one connected network.

Stormwater systems help improve water quality and protect natural areas by:

• Filtering pollutants before they reach rivers and lakes
• Reducing erosion along waterways
• Supporting groundwater recharge

Investing in stormwater infrastructure helps:

• Reduce long-term repair and disaster costs
• Avoid emergency spending
• Protect property values

Yes. Many stormwater features are designed to serve multiple purposes. They can:

• Create green space for public use
• Support recreation
• Improve public health by reducing standing water

One of the main goals of this project is to explore funding options that are fair and equitable.

Different properties contribute different amounts of stormwater runoff. For example, hard surfaces like roofs, driveways, and parking lots create more runoff than natural areas.

Funding options will consider how to better align costs with impact, while also ensuring the system is affordable and sustainable for the entire community.

The County will share funding options in 2027 and gather feedback before any decision are made.

No. The County is currently exploring options that will be shared with residents in early 2027. Once all the information and options have been shared we will gather and share community feedback with Council to help inform their final decision.

Council will be presented with funding options and community feedback to review in September 2027.