Toronto considers separate stormwater charge for residents to fund infrastructure improvement projects

(UI) – The City of Toronto is mulling charging residents a stormwater fee, NowToronto.com reported. In what some homeowners are calling a “rain tax,” many residents are confused and concerned about the potential billing change and how it could raise taxes.

Currently, stormwater management costs are wrapped into residents’ water rate. The proposal would see that charge separated from the water rate. The stormwater service charge would be a flat rate based on property water meter size.

According to the City, the stormwater fee would be based on property type, size and surface area. Apartments and condos should see a decrease in utility bills with this proposal. Bigger properties would be eligible for stormwater charge credits.

Some Canadian cities are already “experimenting” with stormwater fees. However, many in Toronto have expressed concerns about quantifying stormwater on properties and the potential increase the proposal could put on current rates.

The goal of the charge, the City said, is to create “a dedicated revenue stream” to improve stormwater infrastructure and mitigate problems cause by extreme weather. Additionally, the City hopes the proposed charge will “encourage” residents to live a more eco-friendly lifestyle.

This story was originally reported by NowToronto.com

 

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