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Mandatory Downspout Disconnection Program
Toronto City Council has approved a bylaw making downspout disconnection mandatory, City-wide. It will come into effect in three phases beginning with the central area of the city in late 2011. Bylaw information: http://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/municode/1184_681.pdf Three phases: Map of Phases #1, #2, #3
Mandatory Downspout Disconnection - misleading information from downspout contractors None of these companies are associated with the City of Toronto. In addition, they have no authority to identify a property for non-compliance with a City bylaw. They also fail to mention that property owners have the option to apply to the City for an exemption if they believe that disconnecting is not technically feasible or would cause a safety hazard. Residents can also disconnect their downspouts themselves.
Property owners can check out when they are required to disconnect by consulting the map on the Toronto Water website: www.toronto.ca/water/downspout . The map requires a property owner to enter their address. The highlighted section will tell you when the bylaw comes into effect for your property.
Toronto Water has been advised that certain companies looking for downspout disconnection business in the face of the November 20 deadline for Phase 1 properties are using undue pressure when communicating with property owners. These potential suppliers are posting misleading information on their websites, using City logos without permission, and/or leaving promotional material at the door that misrepresents them as "partners" with the City.
Please refer to the City website for complete mandatory downspout disconnection information.
Benefits of disconnecting
Disconnecting a home's or building's downspouts from the City's sewer system is an important step in helping to reduce the risk of both basement flooding and releasing polluted rainwater into our local waterways.
*Exemptions/Application Form
In some cases, it may not be technically feasible to disconnect all downspouts. There will be exemptions for properties where the City determines that disconnection is not feasible or would create a hazardous situation. Property owners must apply to the City to receive an exemption (you must apply for an exemption under this program, even if you were advised you did not need to disconnect under Voluntary Program).
An Exemption Application can be downloaded from http://www.toronto.ca/water/protecting_quality/downspout.htm
Property owners can also request an application by emailing ddp@toronto.ca or calling the main information line.
Applications will be accepted by mail, fax or e-mail.
Exemption applications will be reviewed by Toronto Water Service Program staff. A site visit may be required as part of the review of an application. Staff reviewing an application will contact the property owner directly to make any necessary arrangements.
Financial assistance
Financial assistance is available to reimburse the costs of labour and/or materials for performing downspout disconnection work, up to a maximum of $500, for low-income seniors or low-income persons with a disability.
Who is eligible?
To qualify, you must:
- Own a residential property within the City of Toronto
- Have a combined household income of $50,000 or less
- Be 65 years of age or older
- OR be 60-64 years of age and receiving Guaranteed Income Supplement under Old Age Security Act; if widowed, be receiving the Spouse's Allowance under Old Age Security
- OR be 50 years of age or older and be receive either a pension or a pension annuity resulting from a pension plan under the Income Tax Act (Canada)
- OR be a person with a disability and be receiving disability benefits
Application: http://www.toronto.ca/water/protecting_quality/downspout.htm
Do-it-yourself disconnection
Property owners can perform a simple disconnection themselves. For instructions: http://www.toronto.ca/water/protecting_quality/downspout_diy.htm
The alternative is to hire a City-licensed and experienced eavestrough or roofing contractor to do the work. The Toronto Water website provides guidelines for hiring a contractor at www.toronto.ca/water/protecting_quality/faqs.htm - How can I find a City-licensed building contractor professional?
Enforcement
Bylaw enforcement will take place only after November 20, 2011 in the Phase 1 area. For properties that are non-compliant after this date, the City may use its authority under the Municipal Code to issue a warning notice followed by enforcement procedures, which could include a fine.
- The City is encouraging all property owners to make an effort to disconnect as many downspouts on their property as is feasible.
- Property owners who have not yet disconnected will continue to receive notice from the City that alerts them to the bylaw requirements, including the opportunity to submit an application for exemption, if disconnection is not technically feasible or would create a hazardous condition.
- It should be noted that property owners who have not disconnected may have submitted an application to the City for an exemption from the bylaw. Toronto Water is reviewing all applications. Applicants will be notified in writing once their application has been reviewed and a decision is made on the request for an exemption. Until such time, applicants do not need to disconnect.
- The City will not pursue penalties against any property owner who makes a good-faith effort to disconnect.
- If your neighbours downspout has been disconnected and the water that is discharged is causing damage to your property, property owners are advised to speak to their neighbour as a first step to resolve the issue. If the issue cannot be resolved, contact 311 to submit a service request for investigation by Municipal Licensing and Standards Division.
Frequently Asked Questions are on the website: http://www.toronto.ca/water/protecting_quality/downspout.htm * includes map of affected areas (Phase 1, 2,3)