County of Brant is launching a new Stormwater Management Funding Strategy and is inviting residents and businesses to learn more about the project and the County’s stormwater management system.
Stormwater is rain and melting snow that flows over land into ditches, sewers, and waterways. It must be managed to reduce flooding, protect property, and limit environmental impacts. The County manages this through a stormwater management system of pipes, culverts, ditches, stormwater ponds, and other infrastructure that supports public safety and environmental protection.
Today, stormwater management is primarily funded through property taxes. While it must continue to be funded to meet legal requirements and support a growing community, determining how it can be most equitably funded will be the focus of this project.
“This is about getting it right,” said Andrea Bazzard, Director of Environmental Services for the County of Brant. “We took the time to learn from past feedback and improve our approach. We want residents to understand the options and have a meaningful opportunity to help shape Council’s final decision.”
The new Stormwater Management Funding Strategy builds on work completed in 2023 and 2024. During that process, the County heard concerns related to fairness, clarity, and how information and options were presented. In response, the project was paused to better understand the feedback, improve data, and take a more informed approach.
“It is not a question of if we fund stormwater management, but how we fund it,” said Bazzard. “This process will focus on clearly explaining the system, the challenges we face, and the funding options so residents can make informed decisions.”
The updated approach will focus first on education. Residents will be provided with clear information about how the system works, current challenges, and future needs.
In 2027, new funding options will be presented. Residents and businesses will be invited to review these options and provide input on what they believe is the most appropriate and equitable approach.
That feedback will help inform the final recommendation brought forward to Council, with a decision expected in September 2027.
