Bylaws related to drainage

The stormwater system comprises drains, pipes, and ponds that carry stormwater directly to rivers. Anything washed down these drains by residents ultimately ends up in our rivers.

Prohibited materials must not enter the stormwater system. Examples include soil, waste, animal waste, cooking oils, greases, gasoline, motor oil, transmission fluids, solvents, paint, cement, sawdust, yard waste, pesticides, biomedical waste, hazardous waste, soaps, odorous materials, detergents, and water from hot tubs.

Under the Stormwater Bylaw 37M2005, you may clean your car only with water. If you wash your car on the street, you must not use any soap or any product other than water, and your car must not be overly dirty.

Drain hot tubs and swimming pools directly into the wastewater drain located in the basement of your residence. This ensures that pool/hot tub water does not enter the storm sewer system. Further information can be found in the Wastewater Bylaw.

The Stormwater Bylaw requires downspouts to end at least two metres (6.6 feet) away from any sidewalk, road, pathway, alley, lane or surface drainage facility. This prevents ice from forming on sidewalks and lanes in the winter.

Downspouts should be pointed toward the front or back of the property so that runoff can drain to the lane or street.

Surface drainage facilities, including swales and catch basins/drains, must be kept clear of soil, silt, yard waste, or any other materials that could block water flow on private property. No buildings or structures can be built over these facilities. If a fence must be constructed over them, there must be at least 6 inches (15 cm) of clearance between the facility and the bottom of the fence.

Using storm drainage for activities like construction or irrigation is not allowed without written consent from the Director of Resources.

Fines for violations of these regulations range between $75 and $3,000 for the first offence.

The Stormwater Bylaw works in conjunction with the Lot Grading Bylaw and Community Standards Bylaw to ensure appropriate water use and drainage in and around your property.

Learn more about the Stormwater Bylaw’s regulations, including frequently asked questions. You can also find more details about what the bylaw means to homeowners or what the bylaw means to businesses and industry.

Lot Grading Bylaw

Learn more about the Lot Grading Bylaw’s regulations, including frequently asked questions.You can also find a detailed chart, including information on grade slip and minimum grades on our Lot Grading Tolerance Guidelines page.

Original copies of these bylaws are available at the City Clerk's office. More information can be found in the Stormwater brochure, Activities on and around your property brochure.

For other water-related bylaw information, visit Bylaws Related to Water or Bylaws Related to Stormsewers.