Stormwater protection fee set

Charge for stormwater work begin showing up on city tax bills in 2018

The city is moving forward with plans to implement an annual stormwater protection fee that will start showing up on tax bills in 2018.

Councillors approved a recommendation to update existing bylaws related to sewage after program details were presented by stormwater systems co-ordinator Ian Boland during Monday night’s committee of the whole meeting.

The city adopted a new model for stormwater funding last February after undertaking a study of the subject in 2016. In the eight months since, staff have been working out the details of the fee, which will show up on tax bills under special charges.

The charge will be calculated individually for each property in the city, based on a formula that includes the effective runoff area – based on hard and soft surfaces – multiplied by the stormwater sewage rate.

Impervious areas – those that don’t absorb water – get more weight in the calculation because they produce more stormwater, Boland explained.

The program is expected to generate $620,000 in its first year.

Subsidy programs are being developed for all properties to help offset the costs to implement and construct controls and best management practices, Boland said.

There will also be a free appeals process, and exemptions for property such as conservation authority lands and fee caps for schools, hospitals and places of worship.

The city expects to get a lot of questions when residents spot the fee on their statement, so various guidance documents and information sheets are being created to assist. A website will include a fee estimator based on your address.

Coun. Dave Haacke spoke in opposition to the changes before they were approved. He acknowledged that “something has to be done,” but said taxpayers will have questions regarding equality. “As it sits right now its not something I’m comfortable with.”

Earlier, the councillor asked Boland if there will be a credit for trees. There isn’t, he replied, but pointed out that could be investigated.

The city has some $508 million in stormwater infrastructure, including more than 12,500 manholes and catch basins, 320 kilometers of storm pipe, 31 stormwater retention ponds and 230 outfalls emptying into watercourses, council heard.

Funding approved

Councillors approved an extra $48,660 for Toronto-based consultant Brook McIlroy Inc. to do more work related to the Trent Research and Innovation Park – but not before one member voiced his displeasure for having to do so.

A wetland located between the research park site and the developed East Bank of the Otonabee River was re-examined at the request of Otonabee Region Conservation Authority. The park needs a new road pattern and more open space in its layout as a result.

The additional funding brings the project from $391,751 to $440,411.

“Is nobody able to stick to their guns here?” Coun. Dan McWilliams said.

City planning director Jeffrey Humble said he would share those concerns with the team, but noted that the funding is needed to get the subdivision constructed.

He has also noted that there were “many moving parts” when the item was first brought before council, and that another factor is that it has been an exceptionally wet year.

Transit deal approved

A settlement between the city and its 107 transit workers was approved by council Monday night.

City transportation chairman Coun. Don Vassiliadis thanked union members for negotiating “in the best interest of the city,” calling the six-year deal a “winwin.”

It makes the service more efficient and customer-oriented, he added. “I do see this as a new beginning.”

The Amalgamated Transit Union Local 1320 voted 80.7 per cent in favour of the deal in a secret ballot referendum last week.

Talks ended Oct. 24 after 13 days of negotiations.

Roads assumed

Councillors voted Monday to assume the municipal roads and services within phase eight of the Fairview Estates subdivision and the Towerhill Developments Inc. subdivisions.

Coun. Keith Riel wanted to know if all the sidewalks on those routes were built, so the city won’t have to build them later at the expense of taxpayers.

They were build to the standards of the agreements of the day, in 2004, which staff were satisfied with, council heard. Sidewalks, and missing ones, are regularly evaluated and prioritized on a list, utility services director Wayne Jackson said.

NOTE: See more city council coverage on Pages A1 and A2.