The storm drainage system is a network of drains, pipes and ponds designed to channel storm water directly to our rivers. Everything residents wash down the storm drains ends up in our rivers.
The
Drainage Bylaw 37M2005 ensures appropriate water use and drainage in and around your property. The following is an overview of these regulations. However, for more details please refer to the actual bylaw. Original copies of the bylaw are available at the City Clerk's office.
More information can be found in the following:Drainage brochure,Activities on and around your property brochure as well as theGood neighbour practices reference guide.
Overview of the drainage bylaw
Prohibited material
It is an offence to allow any prohibited material into the Storm Drainage System. Examples of prohibited materials include: soil, waste, animal waste, fecal matter, 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.
Vehicles must be washed at a car wash and not on a road, an alley or a driveway.
Drain hot tubs and swimming pools directly into the wastewater drain located in the basement of your residence. This ensures that chlorine and other materials enter the sanitary sewer system and are treated at wastewater treatments plants. Further information can be found in theWastewater Bylaw 14M2012.
Directing storm drainage
Downspouts and eaves troughs must not terminate within 2 metres of a surface drainage facility (unless located in a side yard) or a street, which includes alleys and lanes. Further information regarding directing of downspouts can be found in the Community Standards Bylaw 5M2004.
Surface drainage facilities
It is a requirement to keep surface drainage facilities on private property (known as "Overland Drainage Right-of-Way" (ODRW) including swales and catch basins/drains) clear of any soil, silt, yard waste or any other matter that may obstruct, restrict or prevent the flow of water. Buildings or structures cannot be constructed or placed on or over the surface drainage facility. If a fence must be built over the facility, there must be at least 6 inches (15 cm) of clearance between the facility and the bottom of the fence.
Use of storm drainage
The use of any storm drainage for activities such as construction or irrigation purposes is prohibited without the written consent of the Director of Resources.
Fines for violations of these regulations range between $75 and $3,000 for the first offence.
Videos
For more information watch the Shaw TV video on fall clean-up
Filing a complaint
To report a bylaw violation please choose one of the following options:
