The following questions about the Stormwater Utility have been shared on community discussion platforms like Facebook. In response, we have prepared the following answers. To learn more, check back for updates.
Funds are required to cover costs to ensure the stormwater system operates efficiently and effectively for the community. To learn more about the stormwater system, watch this video.
A flat charge is proposed for low density residential properties, as a result smaller houses and larger houses will be charged the same.
There will be additional costs associated with billing. These costs will be minimized by adding the charge to existing utility bills for more than 90% of properties.
This will be billed out like other utilities, where the customer with an account will receive the charge. The city has created an Estimator that landlords and renters can use to evaluate the impact and determine how it will be handled.
Before the transition, the City’s stormwater system was funded through municipal taxes. The utility charge removes funding for the stormwater system from municipal taxes and moves it to a utility bill. Funding using a utility charge has become common among North American municipalities.
The utility exists today; the change is in how it is funded. Since the stormwater utility charge will generate necessary revenues for the stormwater system, the City will no longer need to collect these revenues from taxes, beginning July 2024. Therefore, 2024 property taxes were adjusted to recognize this shift.
This will be billed out like other utilities, where the customer with an account will receive the charge. The city has created an Estimator that landlords and renters can use to calculate the charge.
The utility exists today; the change is in how it is funded. The impact to a median single-family home assessed at $321,500 is a monthly charge of $9.28 and a monthly tax decrease of $13.00. The impact on local businesses varies; businesses with low assessment values and larger impervious areas will see an increase in annual costs, while compact properties with high tax assessments may see a decrease.
Yes. You can access the City’s website for property information. If you believe your charge is incorrect, visit the “Get Support” section here: cityofgp.com/stormwaterutility
The city allows for rainfall collection. The proposed bylaw has been expanded to state, “approval of the Director is not required for the use of Stormwater captured by one or more water barrels located above ground and intended for outdoor use.” See section 11.3 of the proposed Bylaw C-1443.