Inquiry about ICDs and catch basins

Today, I tabled an Inquiry to ask for details about Inlet Control Devices, why they were installed in west end catch basins, how they're maintained, and whether they may have contributed to the July 1 flooding.

Read the full Inquiry

Inquiry:
Following the July 1, 2026 flooding of thousands of west end Ottawa homes,
businesses, and public facilities, and again after the flooding on August 10, 2026,
many residents noted that stormwater drainage through municipal catch basins
was inhibited by Inlet Control Devices (ICDs) which had been installed by the
City.
Several also noted that the ICDs were plugged with dirt and debris, completely
blocking the catch basin from draining storm water.
The apparent result of the ICDs, whether blocked or not, was to cause overland
flooding that entered homes.

1. What was the rationale for installing ICDs in west end catch basins, and when
was the program implemented?
2. What percentage of Catch Basin structures contain ICDs across city?
3. What are the industry best practices for inspecting and maintaining ICDs,
and what cleaning frequency is typically recommended?
4. What is the City’s maintenance schedule for ICDs? Annual? More than
annual? Less than annual?
5. What is the City's strategy and target service level for catch basin
maintenance, and how many catch basins are currently overdue for
inspection/cleaning?
6. What purpose do ICDs serve within the City's storm system, and has the City
assessed whether their removal would improve street drainage or create
unintended impacts elsewhere in the system?
7. Would the removal of ICDs prevent overland flooding?
8. To what extent could enhanced inspection and maintenance of ICD equipped
catch basins reduce the risk of overland flooding during storm events?
9. Is there a risk that using ICDs to store rainwater on the road when the ground
table is high means excess water can’t be absorbed by the ground and will
cause flooding?
10. How does the City evaluate and determine whether additional flows can be
discharged to the storm sewer system (ex LRT Station sump Pumps) and
how does this align with the City's use of ICDs to control and limit flows
entering the system?
11.Are the LRT project water discharge and flow management design
requirements consistent with City standards and guidelines?

Latest posts

Motion on reconstruction fee relief

Today, I seconded a motion by Mayor Sutcliffe to provide residents who are rebuilding after the July 1, 2026 flooding with relief from fees associated with construction.

Read the full motion

WHEREAS the extreme weather events of July 1, August 10 and August 12, 2026,
caused significant disruption, property damage, and financial hardship for
residents across the city, impacting more than 6,500 properties; and

WHEREAS the City’s Revenue Services team has implemented temporary
administrative measures to support affected residents, including the suspension
of collection activities, a pause on interest accumulation and related late fees,
enhanced customer service accommodations, and account-level notifications for
impacted properties; and

Motion to examine extreme weather patterns in Nepean/West Ottawa

Today, I moved a motion, seconded by Mayor Sutcliffe, to consult with weather experts to determine how College Ward and environs are being impacted by extreme weather so we can plan to improve our infrastructure and maintenance routines.

See the full motion.

WHEREAS over the past several years, Nepean has suffered several extreme
weather events including the 2018 tornados; 2022 derecho; the 2023 ice storm;
the July 1, 2026 rainstorm and floods; and the August 12, 2026 windstorm; and

WHEREAS the City of Ottawa’s Climate Projections for the National Capital
Region (2020) indicate that Ottawa is projected to see rising temperatures, more
rainfall and more extreme weather events; and

WHEREAS recent and historical weather patterns suggest that the affected areas
of Nepean may experience localized weather and climatic conditions that differ
from other parts of the city;

WHEREAS the City of Ottawa uses climate and weather reports when designing
its infrastructure standards, infrastructure maintenance routines and resident
support programs; and

August 14 2026 Extreme Weather Operations

The transition to monitoring operations does not signal the end of the City’s recovery efforts. The ECC has established an integrated task force to maintain situational awareness and coordinate access to recovery programs and services. The task force will support consistent, accessible, and equitable personalized support for affected residents throughout the recovery period.

READ THE FULL UPDATE

Inquiry about ICDs and catch basins

Latest posts

Motion on reconstruction fee relief

Motion to examine extreme weather patterns in Nepean/West Ottawa

August 14 2026 Extreme Weather Operations

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