Title
Stormwater Master Plan Overview
Proposed Motion
That the Stormwater Master Plan Overview be received for information, as presented.
Body
Administration supports the proposed motion.
Purpose
The purpose of this report is to provide Council with an overview of the Stormwater Master Plan, including the work completed, key findings and recommended strategies, and to provide information to Council regarding potential future priorities for stormwater management.
Summary
The Stormwater Master Plan was initiated at the direction of Council in response to ongoing drainage-related concerns raised by residents and to improve the County's understanding of its role in stormwater management, including regulatory and approval authority, operations and maintenance, enforcement, and oversight.
Phase 1 of the plan included basin identification and mapping, a regulatory review, and a review of stormwater system management. The work identified areas where the County has established strong practices, including storm sewer asset management, GIS and LiDAR information, and related drainage and environmental initiatives. It also identified ongoing challenges associated with legacy developments, historically limited enforcement, complex natural drainage systems, landowner expectations regarding service levels, the provincial regulatory environment, and historic licensed drainage ditches.
The Stormwater Master Plan identifies six principal strategy areas: communications; regulatory compliance and enforcement; asset management and GIS; stormwater system planning; land use planning and land development engineering; and operations and maintenance. Potential actions include expanding stormwater and natural-asset information in GIS, using a risk-based approach to rehabilitation, undertaking detailed or local drainage studies, improving inter-municipal coordination, refining development requirements and policies, clarifying stormwater service levels and response expectations, documenting internal responsibilities and maintenance practices, and improving monitoring and customer-request processes.
The plan provides a framework for Administration and Council to identify priorities for future implementation. Future work would require the scope of subsequent phases and associated funding requirements to be determined through the County's planning and budget processes.
Strategic Plan:
The Stormwater Master Plan aligns with Strategic Driver A: Responsive Services by supporting the County’s goal of improving customer experience through responsive and reliable municipal service levels. The plan identifies opportunities to clarify stormwater service levels, response expectations, internal roles and responsibilities, and processes for responding to drainage concerns, supporting more consistent and reliable service for residents and businesses. It also aligns with Strategic Driver B: Land, Legacy & Agriculture by supporting the responsible management and preservation of the County’s natural areas. Through strategies that integrate stormwater and natural asset planning, improve regulatory compliance, strengthen land use and development practices, and support the responsible management of drainage systems and watercourses, the plan contributes to protecting environmental health and ensuring natural areas are effectively and sustainably managed.
Financial Impact:
Cost: 0.00
Source of Funding: n/a