The City’s water and wastewater services (including management of stormwater) are funded using a “pay-as-you-go” system that charges a combined water and wastewater consumption rate called the “water rate” based on the volume of water a customer uses.
Since 2012, the City has consulted at various times on possible changes to water rates, fees and charges including a stormwater charge that would be dedicated to funding the City’s stormwater management initiatives. A proposal for a stormwater charge for all property classes was considered by City Council in 2017.
In 2020-2021, the City undertook focused consultation with interested parties on a possible stormwater charge for commercial and industrial properties only, as well as an administrative water charge (referred to as a water service charge) for all properties.
In July 2021, City Council directed Toronto Water and the Chief Financial Officer to further consult with the public and interested parties on possible changes to water rates, fees and charges, including a stormwater charge, stormwater charge credits and an administrative water charge (also referred to as a water service charge).
In April 2024, consultation on a stormwater charge and water service charge was paused to allow City staff to do further work to align the possible implementation of a stormwater charge and water service charge with the City’s broader climate resilience strategy, the commercial parking levy being considered and the City’s long-term financial plan.