My team and I, along with City Staff, and Council have been busy over the past few years with all things stormwater related.

There have been some big policy shifts, Infrastructure staff have supported residents with various drainage issues across the ward, and By-Law Services has helped residents resolve drainage issues through enforcement of City policies.

I have hosted a few presentations, and City staff have also hosted their own. I am including them here, as they include important information about some of your neighbourhoods, projects coming online like the City View Ditch Rehabilitation Project, and ways that you can improve drainage on your own property, regardless of whether you are on a ditch system or a sewer system.

There are grants and funding opportunities to support residents in flood-proofing that I wanted to share more about, and some exciting new policies coming up to ensure that infill does not add any additional stormwater pressures on the system and to neighbouring properties.

I am also including some research reports relating to past flood events in College Ward, which explain the main causes of the floods we've experienced over the past few decades, usually during major rain storms.

Hopefully not, but if you are experiencing flooding, please report to 3-1-1. I often hear from residents that there is frequent flooding in a particular area, and it isn't getting addressed, but the City needs to know about it in order to help.

I want you to have as many tools in your toolbox as possible, so I am bringing these resources together here. If you have any questions about anything, please do not hesitate to reach out to my office at [email protected] 

Index Links

• Cityview Ditch Rehabilitation Project: Learn More 
• Presentations: Review past presentations on stormwater management, drainage, and the City View Ditch Rehabilitation Project 
• Reports: Review flood reports for College Ward, and recommendations for remediations
• City Programs: Find City Programs to help with drainage, protective plumbing devices, battery backups for sump pumps, and more 
• City Policies: City By-Laws that regulate ditches and right of ways
• City Planning: Information about policies regarding infill development and construction projects

 

City View Ditch Rehabilitation Project 

City View Ditch Rehabilitation | City of Ottawa

Well before I was elected, City View and Crestview had been identified as requiring a complete rehabilitation of the stormwater system for a few reasons.

These neighbourhoods were built with ditches and culverts, but were not built as a planned community; they were built in patchwork, and the various systems don’t work very well together.

Secondly, the City of Nepean, once upon a time, would issue permits for homeowners to fill their ditches. Thirdly, the City of Ottawa didn’t provide regular maintenance. And fourthly, infill in the last few years has seen some illegal filling of the ditch and culvert systems. 

That’s created a lot of challenges for residents.

The City of Ottawa has initiated this project in order to rehabilitate the system by re-establishing the existing ditches and replacing key roadway and driveway culverts. The design follows recommendations from the 2022 Robinson Consultant Incorporated study that outlined existing conditions and presented a multi-year plan for ditch system renewal. You can find that report here

Re-establishing the ditch and culvert system is not a small undertaking, and once it’s done, residents may have a new profile on their properties.

I am not minimizing the impact of this project on residents. I will fight to mitigate as much impact as possible.

This project will consist of the first 5-year phases and priority work, with work on site starting next year. The remaining phases will be completed as part of a separate project following this one (and pending budget availability).

If you are aware of any notable drainage issues, do not wait. Report to 3-1-1 and staff will investigate if the issue can be resolved ahead of the project schedule. 

As the project moves forward, I commit to working with residents for the following:

• Champion solutions that would allow sidewalks and surface drainage to co-exist

The City has committed new sidewalks on streets like Withrow Ave in the Transportation Master Plan, which has ditches, and we will advocate for sidewalk solutions for other streets. Having ditches is not, in my view, a good reason to be unable to have sidewalks.

• I will insist that the City protect our trees and hedges

I am working with staff to ensure that our cherished mature trees and hedges are protected as much as possible and to ensure replacement trees are planted in the neighbourhood.

• Nobody should be surprised by what is happening on their property and when it will happen

In each phase of the project, well before construction starts, a resident meeting will be held between project management and implicated properties to talk about specific parcels. No one should find out about work on their street only by seeing workers on their street.

• I will work to mitigate noise and traffic congestion before and during the project

I will work with staff to ensure residents know in advance what work is happening and when; and to keep excess noise and traffic congestion to a minimum.

• I will continue to work with staff to minimize the size and impact of the ditches

I continue to meet regularly with project management to ensure your concerns are heard and thoughtfully addressed. I want to see a careful balance between meeting the area’s drainage requirements and minimizing disruption to residential front yards. The City will review the proposed ditch configuration to ensure it provides effective protection against current and future flooding, while keeping its footprint as small as possible.

If you have any questions about this project, please don't hesitate to reach out to my office at [email protected] or to the project manager, Ryan Brault. We have a great project management team here at the City dedicated to making this as seamless as possible for residents. 

Presentations

City View Drainage Study November 2022

This presentation outlines the City View Drainage Study. It explains the flooding history and how infilled ditches, aging or buried driveway culverts, and altered lot grading have interrupted the overland drainage network. The goal was to document conditions, identify bottlenecks, and design practical fixes. Recommended action is a multi-year, block-by-block rehabilitation: re-establish ditch profiles, replace undersized or failed culverts, clear obstructions, and reconnect outlets. Storm sewers are not proposed due to outlet constraints and cost; the focus is restoring ditch capacity. 

 

July 2023 - Online Presentation hosted by Councillor Laine Johnson 

A community info/Q&A session hosted by the College Ward office with City staff about the City View Ditch Rehabilitation Project—why it’s happening, what it includes, and what residents should expect.

 

Rain Ready Ottawa - Water Management Strategies for College Ward & Knoxdale-Merivale

A community info session on practical, on-property ways to reduce flooding and manage rain where it falls, tailored to College Ward and Knoxdale-Merivale Ward. These older neighborhoods have lots of hard surfaces and limited stormwater capacity; slowing, soaking, and redirecting runoff at the lot level helps protect homes and local waterways.

 

September 2024 - Rain Ready Program

A virtual info session for College Ward residents about Ottawa’s Rain Ready program—how to manage rain where it falls and reduce flooding risk at the lot level.

 

Permeable Driveways - Ask an Expert 

A “how it works, where it fits, and how to maintain it” session focused on permeable pavement for homeowners, part of the City’s Rain Ready Ottawa series. Learn about replacing conventional hard surfaces (driveways, walkways, patios) with surfaces that let rain soak through a stone base and into the soil, easing pressure on storm systems and reducing local flooding and runoff pollution.

 

What do we do with all the Rainwater?

OttaTalk podcast about rain and how to manage it on your property so it doesn’t get into your basement. We learn more about the actions you can take both inside and outside your home to reduce the risk of basement flooding, find out what rebate programs are available to help, and hear an overview of what the City is doing to manage rain.

Links to Reports 

 

2011 Pinecrest Creek/Westboro Stormwater Management Retrofit Study 

• This final report and supporting appendices document the work carried out for the Pinecrest Creek/Westboro Stormwater Management Retrofit Study from September 2009 to May 2011.The Pinecrest Creek/Westboro area – like much of the core of the City – was developed before there was a requirement for municipalities to manage stormwater. For this reason, there are few facilities to treat stormwater in the study area. The various conditions cited above – existing erosion, water quality concerns, degraded health of the Creek – stem in whole or in part from uncontrolled stormwater runoff.

Stormwater Management Guidelines for the Pinecrest Creek/Westboro Area

• This report and supporting appendices provide guidelines for stormwater management (SWM) and the use of SWM measures for infill, new development and redevelopment projects in the
  Pinecrest Creek/Westboro area.

2022 City View and Lakeview Drainage Study: Final Report

• Robinson Consultants Inc. was retained by the City of Ottawa to undertake drainage studies within the City View area to document existing drainage issues and identify remedial measures to improve the current drainage situation. Appendices can be found HERE

College Ward - August 10, 2023 Flood Report

• August 10, 2023 produced an average of 60 mm of rain throughout the city over a period of 5 hours, with a peak recorded volume of 107 mm. At peak, 190mm/hour was falling. Due to the nature of the storm (high peak intensity and high volume), sanitary sewers, storm sewers and overland drainage systems were all affected. In College Ward, homes in several neighbourhoods flooded. This report looks at the reasons why and how flooding can be prevented in future.

City Programs

 

Residential Protective Plumbing program | City of Ottawa

The Residential Protective Plumbing program provides financial assistance to qualified City of Ottawa property owners for the installation of protective plumbing devices such as sump pumps and storm and sanitary backwater valves. There are eligibility requirements, so ensure to check the program page to see if you qualify.

A sump pump is an electrical device designed to remove excess water from your home. Typically installed in the lowest part of your basement or crawl space, it is activated when water levels rise due to heavy rains or melting snow, and works by collecting water in a sump pit and then pumping it away from your home’s foundation. Once the water level drops, the pump shuts off until it’s needed again. If you are concerned about power loss, consider looking into a battery backup.

All new single, semidetached, row house, and townhome dwelling units in the City of Ottawa require the installation of backwater valves on sanitary service laterals (sanitary building drains), but many older homes do not have one installed.

The requirement for additional protection against sanitary sewer back-ups (back flooding) was introduced after many homes to experienced basement backups due to surcharging of sewer systems during significant rainfall events.

A licensed plumber is required to install a backwater valve, but this small investment could save you a major headache.

 

 

 

Rain Ready Ottawa | City of Ottawa

Rain Ready Ottawa is a program that encourages and supports residents to take action on their property to reduce the harmful impacts of rainwater runoff.

Rain Ready Ottawa offers:

• Information on projects for your home including a series of self-guided eLearning courses to help you implement rainwater management projects 
• Rebates up to $5,000 to help you install practices that help manage rainwater where it falls (Eligibility requirements apply, learn more at Rain Ready Ottawa project rebates)

Rain Ready also offers free e-learning courses to help you plan for rainwater, even if you don't apply for the rebate program. You can find more here: Rain Ready Ottawa | City of Ottawa

City Policies

 

Site Alteration By-Law

Site Alteration (By-law No. 2024-448) | City of Ottawa

The updated Site Alteration By-law was approved by Ottawa City Council on October 16, 2024, in order to regulate site alteration activities such as placing or dumping fill, removing topsoil, clearing or stripping vegetation, and altering the grade of land. 

All residents need to be aware that changes to the surface of a property can affect the way water drains across it. Most neighbourhoods are designed and built to ensure that rainwater runoff from every property drains into a system of swales, ditches or pipes.  It’s important to be aware of local drainage patterns around your home, your property and your neighbourhood.

For example, installing a patio, a pool or even a garden bed may change the way rainwater moves across your land and your neighbour’s. Under the by-law, if your project impacts an approved drainage pattern so that your neighbour’s yard property no longer drains properly, then you may be required to fix the problem. 

Roadside ditches and municipal drains are vital parts of the City’s infrastructure and should not be altered, except through the appropriate process Ditches and drains | City of Ottawa

 

What is a Ditch?

A ditch is an excavated channel in the ground beside roadways that moves water during storm events and spring melts.
Ditches and storm pipes are part of a larger network of surface water infrastructure. Additionally, ditches have many environmental benefts including:

• Slowing the flow of runoff water
• Promote filtering of pollutants from surface water through ground absorption, and
• Reduce the risk of fooding

Ditch Alteration

Ditch alteration refers to any modification to the ditch design, function, change of slope, appearance, or location. Property owners are not permitted to alter their ditch without approval from the City of Ottawa.

The City of Ottawa provides two options for ditch alterations to property owners: 

• Local Improvement 

  A Local Improvement is a process by which residents can request City infrastructure that currently doesn’t exist in their neighborhood, such as stormwater pipes. Local Improvements are a request for new or replacement municipal infrastructure intended to upgrade or improve certain conditions within residential, commercial, and industrial areas of the municipality. A Local Improvement may be requested by property owners through a petition-based process. When a Local Improvement is approved, costs are shared by all property owners who benefit from this project. 

For more information, see the Local Improvement Process Factsheet or the City's website about the Local Improvement Process

• Planning Agreement

  Ditch alteration requests can also be initiated through the development review process and a development agreement. Residents would first consult with the City then supply the required engineering studies and information. All costs borne by the project would be the responsibility of the property owner(s).

 

Ditch Maintenance

Property’s that have ditches adjacent to them share with the City in the responsibility of their maintenance. When ditches do not function properly, the effects can be seen in other areas of the neighborhood. It is important to maintain a functioning ditch.

Property owners are responsible for:

• Routine maintenance and flushing of culvert
• Removal of debris
• Removal of root infiltration caused by a private tree
• Maintain boulevard, including cutting grass, weeds, and alike
• Replacement of deteriorated or damaged culverts (unless damaged by City operations)

The City is responsible for:

• Re-establish the grade and slope to the original design to maintain positive drainage, as part of a larger maintenance program
• Flush culverts to remove silt and sand, as part of a larger maintenance program
• Replace culverts damaged by City operations (ditch maintenance, winter plowing, etc.)

Frequently asked Questions about Ditches

How can a resident request ditch maintenance assistance?

• Submit a service request through 3-1-1 
• The Supervisor/Maintenance Coordinator will attend the site to assess ditch condition
• Staff will determine who is responsible for maintenance (City department or resident/s)
• If the City is responsible – the work will be added to the City’s ditching program list. The list is prioritized based on priority / risk assessment as per the City’s Council approved Maintenance Quality Standards.
• The City will contact the inquirer to inform if work will be completed by the City or if it is the resident’s responsibility
• If it is the resident's responsibility, the City will provide direction on what is required

I want to widen my driveway, which crosses over the ditch currently. Do I need to apply for a ditch alteration program to do this?

No. A Private Approach Permit is required to widen an existing driveway and can be obtained through Right-of-Way Services.

There are noxious weeds growing in my ditch. Will the City remove them?

If noxious weeds, such as wild parsnip, poison ivy, or giant hogweed are found growing in the ditch, submit a ServiceOttawa request to 3-1-1

Is there a plan for a city-wide upgrade to have everyone on stormwater sewers?

No, there is no plan to upgrade all residents to storm sewers. Ditches are an acceptable means to convey stormwater and are a critical component of road design which help to preserve the road sub-base; in addition to having stormwater quality management benefits by naturally filtering water and keeping water away from roads, ditches have a reduced infrastructure maintenance cost. Ditches are also comparatively resilient to the anticipated changes in precipitation intensity.

My neighbour has altered their ditch, and it seems to be causing a problem with my drainage, what do I do?

If you would like to report an altered ditch the City recommends you contact 3-1-1 and a Service Request will be created.

My neighbour’s ditch has been filled for years, and I was told they had permission, why can’t I fill mine now?

Pre-amalgamation, some of the municipalities and townships allowed ditches to be altered (filled / piped). Since that time, it has been well documented that improper ditch alterations can negatively affect surrounding areas and stormwater infrastructure. It is imperative that an engineering study be conducted to assess the impacts of the proposed ditch modifications.

The City reviews each ditch infill complaint on a case-by-case basis as there may have been a number of reasons the ditch was infilled legally or illegally.

There is standing water in my ditch, will the City fix this?

Following a rain event, there may be standing water in your ditch, as ditches are designed to catch and hold water to slowly drain into the ground. In fact, many ditches can hold water at all times, as they sit at the lowest point between the road and the property. If, after a significant time, water does not drain from the ditch where it typically would, call the City at 3-1-1 to issue a Service Request. City staff can visit the location and assess the situation.

 

 

Use and Care of Roads By-Law

This by-law protects the right of way (ROW) from damage or obstruction, and controls what can be put in the right of way.

The right of way is the City-owned portion of land that includes roadways, shoulders, sidewalks, private approaches and boulevards. In some cases, the grass boulevard may extend a considerable amount towards a residential property and can include belowground and aboveground utility infrastructure and boulevard trees, as well as ditches and swales.

Owners and tenants may also install and maintain a boulevard garden or free library box when done in accordance with the by-law regulations. Since 2023, thanks to a motion I brought before Council, the City allows residential boulevard gardening with conditions (plant types, sightlines, height, and maintenance standards).

This by-law sets maintenance responsibilities, but the City can also use this by-law to address illegal ditch alterations or blockages in the ROW (e.g., filling a ditch or installing a culvert without approval). irrigation systems are not permitted to be installed within the right of way. Dedicated policies exist, and the by-law provides enforcement authority. 

A private approach is the surface part of an entrance to private property (driveway or laneway) for vehicular access that is on the City road allowance, and is regulated by the  Private Approach By-law (2003-447). A permit is required to create, widen or close a driveway.

 

City Planning 

 

Many of us can see that over the years, lack of attention was paid to stormwater during new developments. The City has recently brought in new policies to ensure best practices are followed.

All new developments, including infill projects (where an existing building is replaced by another building) must obtain a Building Permit, and a grading plan is a requirement to obtain one.

A grading plan identifies the slope and drainage of the land with respect to the proposed building and surrounding properties. The grading plan must be prepared by a professional Engineer, Engineering Technologist, or Land Surveyor licensed in Ontario.

A grading plan must show the existing drainage pattern and the proposed drainage pattern. You can learn more about grading plan requirements here: Minimum Grading and Servicing Plan Specifications Infill Serviced Lots

 

 

Builds that have more than twelve principal units are subject to site plan control, so must provide a grading plan, as well as a stormwater management plan to ensure they are capturing stormwater and allowing it to release in a controlled fashion, either through buried cisterns, rooftop holding tanks, or other means.

This requires builders to ensure that increased runoff from new infill does not exacerbate existing conditions.

The New Zoning By-Law, set to be passed by Council in February 2026, will require all infill projects to manage stormwater in addition to providing a grading plan. As the Zoning By-law is considered “applicable law” for the purposes of the Ontario Building Code, it will allow the City to refuse to issue building permits until stormwater management is addressed.

Additionally, if a person builds, grades, or expands a development (including for example, the construction of impervious surfaces) without a permission, the Zoning By-law would provide the City with an opportunity to lay charges for contravening provisions of the by-law that stipulate stormwater management requirements.

Changes to the grade of your lot can significantly impact how water flows across your property. This can damage your foundation, causing erosion or flooding basements and streets.

When hiring private contractors for landscaping or yard alteration, ensure that they respect the intended drainage design when carrying out work. This will reduce additional costs and stress that stems from improper lot grading.

You can find these provisions here Part 2 - General Provisions | City of Ottawa