County relaunches stormwater funding plan two years after public backlash

Casandra Turnbull

Managing Editor

The County of Brant is once again moving forward with plans to change how stormwater management is funded, this time with a renewed focus on public education and transparency after strong pushback from residents in 2024.

In a press release issued last week, the County announced it is launching a new Stormwater Management Funding Strategy, inviting residents and businesses to learn more about how the system works and how it should be funded in the future.

Stormwater, rain and melting snow that flows into ditches, sewers and waterways, is currently funded through the general property tax base. County officials say that model may not be sustainable as infrastructure demands grow and regulations tighten.

“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 relaunch comes roughly two years after the County paused what was then called the New Stormwater Utility Program following significant public criticism. At the time, many residents opposed the idea of a separate charge on their tax bill, with some viewing it as a new tax rather than a restructuring of existing costs. 

A public engagement campaign in early 2024 drew more than 3,100 visits to the EngageBrant platform, with hundreds of survey responses and comments expressing concerns about fairness, affordability and the timing of the proposal. 

County staff later acknowledged that misunderstandings about the program contributed to the backlash, particularly around how stormwater services are already funded and why changes were being considered. 

The project was ultimately put on hold, with staff directed to refine the program, improve financial planning and develop a more robust public education campaign before returning to council. 

That groundwork now forms the basis of the updated strategy.

According to the County, the first phase of the renewed approach will focus entirely on education and explaining how the stormwater system operates, the challenges it faces, and the long-term infrastructure needs tied to growth and environmental protection.

“It is not a question of if we fund stormwater management, but how we fund it,” said Bazzard. Funding options will not be presented until 2027, when residents and businesses will be asked to review and provide feedback on potential models. That input will help shape a final recommendation to council, with a decision expected by September 2027.

The County says the goal is to create a more equitable funding model while ensuring the system, which includes pipes, culverts, ditches and stormwater ponds, can continue to protect properties, reduce flooding and meet environmental standards.

Residents can learn more or follow the project at EngageBrant.ca/StormwaterFunding.