Ottawa – Homeowners in the Pinecrest Creek/Westboro and Eastern Subwatershed areas could soon be eligible to get grants for stormwater management projects. On Monday, February 16th, the City’s Standing Committee on Environmental Protection, Water and Waste Management approved piloting a program to encourage homeowners to manage stormwater on their properties.
The three-year pilot includes training for landscapers, along with public education and outreach on stormwater management practices. For residents in the Pinecrest Creek/Westboro and Eastern Subwatershed areas, the City would provide free home assessments and cover up to $5,000 per household for work like redirecting downspouts, establishing rain gardens and soak-away pits, and installing permeable driveways. The Eastern Subwatershed area includes the neighbourhoods surrounding Taylor Creek, Voyageur Creek, the Queenswood Catchments, Bilberry Creek and Green’s Creek and its tributaries.
Unmanaged stormwater runoff can increase erosion and flooding in local waterways and degrade water quality and aquatic habitats. This program would help reduce the harmful impact of runoff on the Ottawa River and its tributaries. Staff would report on the pilot in late 2023, recommending whether to make the program permanent.
Recommendations from today’s meeting requiring Council approval will rise to Council on Wednesday, February 24.