Stormwater

• Point downspouts toward lawns and gardens
• Limit the use of fertilizers and pesticides
• Sweep up debris from your garage and driveway instead of washing it away
• Clean up vehicle spills or leaks to prevent toxins from entering the stormwater system
• Never pour anything down the storm drain
• Properly dispose of water from pools, hot tubs and spas

Only rain and snowmelt can drain into storm drains. The Stormwater Management Bylaw 1127-2020 prohibits substances from entering a storm drain including:

• Oil and grease 
• Soap and cleaning products 
• Pool water where disinfection chemicals have not been neutralized 
• Solid materials (cigarette butts, grass clippings, garbage) 

For a full list of prohibited substances please see Schedule C of the Stormwater Management Bylaw 1127-2020 

Business activities can affect local waterways when pollutants are exposed to rain or improperly discharged into the stormwater system. Taking a few simple precautions can help protect water quality and prevent contaminants from entering storm drains.

Prevent pollution at your site

• Keep outdoor waste storage areas away from catch basins and storm drains.
• Keep outdoor containers covered to prevent rainwater from contacting waste materials.
• Train staff to identify, clean up, and report spills promptly.
• Schedule regular waste collection and site maintenance.
• Keep spill kits readily available in loading, unloading, and storage areas.
• Install containment berms around waste bins and compactors where appropriate.
• Never wash contaminants into a storm drain during cleanup.

Outdoor wastewater disposal

Wastewater from outdoor cleaning activities must not enter the stormwater system. This includes water from washing vehicles, equipment, buildings, sidewalks, loading areas, or garbage storage areas.

Proper disposal options

Instead of allowing wastewater to flow into a catch basin or storm drain:

• Let it evaporate, where feasible
• Redirect or contain the water so it stays away from catch basins
• Dispose of it indoors (e.g., sink or floor drain), or
• Collect and haul it off-site for proper disposal

The District maintains a network of roadside ditches, culverts, catch basins, underground storm pipes, detention ponds, and drainage channels to help manage stormwater and reduce flooding risks.

Property Drainage & Homeowner Responsibilities  
Homeowners play an important role in managing stormwater and reducing the risk of localized flooding. To help protect your property and support the stormwater system:

• Keep driveway culverts free of debris to maintain proper water flow.
• Ensure stormwater runoff and debris from private property do not flow onto public roadways.
• If your property is located below a public roadway, take steps to direct water away from buildings and structures: 
  • Direct walkways and driveways toward landscaped areas where possible.
  • Ensure grading directs runoff away from buildings and structures.
  • Regularly maintain drainage pathways, culverts, and ditches to reduce the risk of localized flooding.

If flood risk becomes elevated, the District may establish sandbag filling stations for residents. Information about locations, availability, and operating hours will be shared through the District website and social media channels.