City of Kitchener

Stormwater Utility

Learn more about the stormwater credit.

The City of Kitchener transferred stormwater management funding from property taxes to a user-fee program, effective Jan. 1, 2011.

The new stormwater user fee appeared on monthly utility bills beginning in February 2011.  The average single dwelling homeowner will be charged approximately $9.73/per month for stormwater management.

This funding model allows us to dedicate dollars specifically to stormwater management - a service that has been consistently underfunded through the tax base.

After extensive research, we determined a tiered flat fee is an equitable approach to charge for stormwater management. A series of rate tiers has been established, calculated based on property type and size of impervious area, to account for the varying degrees of water runoff generated from properties that use the system.

For example, properties with a high percentage of impervious surfaces - like buildings, driveways and parking lots - typically create a lot of runoff because these surfaces do not allow water to absorb into the earth. As a result, industrial and commercial properties will pay higher rates than residential properties because they generally contribute more runoff and pollutants to the stormwater system.

In an effort to provide more information on the importance of stormwater management, as well as our new stormwater management funding model, and on how the new stormwater user rate will be charged, we have developed a comprehensive list of frequently asked questions, as well as detailed responses. For more information on the new stormwater management funding model, please contact us at 519-741-2200 ext.7135. 

Background Reports