TAMRMS#: B06
10.2
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Surface Drainage Bylaw – Compliance and Enforcement
Notice given by: Councillor Hughes
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PROPOSED MOTION(S):
recommendation
That Administration provide recommended amendments to the Surface Drainage Bylaw to strengthen compliance and enforcement and bring these recommendations to the Standing Committee of the Whole by March 15, 2027.
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ADMINISTRATION’S UNDERSTANDING OF THE INTENT OF THE MOTION
Administration understands that, if approved, this motion would direct the applicable departments to review and analyze the current Surface Drainage Bylaw with the objective of strengthening compliance and enforcement provisions, and to present findings and any recommended amendments to the Standing Committee of the Whole on or before March 15, 2027.
PURPOSE OF REPORT
The purpose of this report is to present a motion for which Councillor Hughes gave notice on October 2, 2026.
ALIGNMENT TO COUNCIL DIRECTION OR MANDATORY STATUTORY PROVISION
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BACKGROUND AND DISCUSSION
The current Surface Drainage Bylaw was enacted in 2015 and establishes requirements for the management of surface water drainage on private property.
Since 2021, the City has received a total of 75 drainage-related complaints under the bylaw, including 61 complaints in mature neighbourhoods and 14 complaints in newly developed areas. Upon receiving a complaint, Administration conducts a site inspection to assess existing conditions and determine whether a contravention of the bylaw exists. Of the 75 complaints investigated, only three were found to be non-compliant with the Surface Drainage Bylaw. In addition, Municipal Enforcement has issued two tickets since 2015, both related to improper downspout discharge locations where property owners were unwilling to voluntarily correct the identified deficiency.
Where non-compliance is identified, Administration works directly with property owners to explain the issue and facilitate corrective action. Cases may be ref...
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