Council approves public consultation on a proposed Stormwater Funding Fee

After extensive community input, Town Council directed staff to proceed with further public engagement of a proposed Stormwater Funding Fee Structure. The town’s Rainwater Management Plan (RWMP) is designed to ensure long-term sustainability of the town’s stormwater infrastructure while enhancing climate resiliency. Funding to implement this plan will be through a stormwater fee, shifting the costs away from the property tax system. Public consultation on this proposed funding option will continue in early 2025.

The town’s infrastructure is aging with some infrastructure approaching end of life and requiring significant investment in the future. Without an increase in funding, the town will face challenges and will not be able to complete necessary infrastructure improvements. 

The RWMP identified the need for $732 million over the next 30 years. Currently only a portion of these costs are covered through the town’s property taxes. Therefore, a dedicated, transparent, and sustainable stormwater funding model is needed to address the town’s annual $24.4 million stormwater infrastructure needs. 

Earlier this year, a Stormwater Fee Feasibility Study was launched to explore funding options for a fair and equitable way to pay for the town’s stormwater management system and services to support infrastructure needs in the future. Community outreach included an extensive communication and education campaign last summer, followed by public consultation in the fall. 

Currently, the town’s stormwater management system is funded through property taxes. However, the way taxes are collected — 73 per cent come from residential properties and 27 per cent from non-residential properties, does not accurately represent how much stormwater run off each property type creates for the town’s system and can result in some paying more than their fair share. 

Community feedback from three public meetings and a stormwater survey supports a dedicated stormwater funding model, with a preference for a fee structure that reflects a cost distribution proportionate to the amount of runoff that different properties impact the stormwater system.

The proposed stormwater fee structure going out for further consultation is as follows:

• Distribution of the stormwater funding needs based on runoff area by sector (44 per cent attribute to residential, 56 per cent attribute to non-residential)
• A three-tier (single family, high density, semi-detached/link home) flat fee for residential properties is recommended due to correlation between average property size by property type grouping to achieve a balance between equity and administration effort/cost.
• Variable fee based on property size is recommended for non-residential properties.

Public engagement will continue in early 2025. A staff report will then be provided to Council with recommendations on property exemptions/subsidies and credit incentive programs, along with results from the public feedback. The final stormwater funding model recommendation and implementation plan will go to Council for approval mid-year 2025. 

For more information visit the Rainwater Management Plan and Stormwater Fee Feasibility Study pages or read the December 16  Rainwater Management Financial Plan and Stormwater Funding Options staff report.

Quote 

“The proposed stormwater funding model ensures a fairer way to share the costs of maintaining stormwater infrastructure by shifting the costs off of the property tax system for residents, with fees based on the amount of runoff each property generates. This approach reflects public feedback and creates a sustainable, transparent, and equitable system. We look forward to hearing more input from the community.” 
– Mayor Rob Burton