“What is ultimately being recommended is that the city proceed with a dedicated stormwater charge. That would also align with recent trends we’re seeing in other municipalities across Ontario,” said Peter Simcisko from Watson and Associates Economists Ltd., which co-authored the study.

The city’s stormwater infrastructure is the second largest asset class after transit and roads and is currently made up of 1,800 kilometres of storm sewers, 180 stormwater ponds, 420 kilometres of watercourses, 38,000 catch basins and 13,000 manholes.

The study, which looked at several funding option, pegged the total replacement value of those assets at $1.12 billion.

Currently, stormwater management is funded solely through general tax revenue, with non-residential taxpayers paying only 22 per cent of taxes but producing 56 per cent of the city’s stormwater overflow. Residential taxpayers are on the hook for 78 per cent of total taxes but generate only 44 per cent of storm run-off.

Simcisko added that all residential taxpayers would have seen a fairly significant increase to their annual tax bill had the city decided to make up the $16 million annual funding shortfall through general tax increases rather than a dedicated user fee.

“This is about being fair and making sure our infrastructure and the costs associated with upkeeping it is paid for by those who use it the most,” said wards 1 and 5 Coun. Paul Vicente.

“I think this is a very good news story,” he added.

Neighbouring Mississauga instituted similar stormwater charges in 2016. Brampton’s user fees — averaging approximately $75 per year per property — will be roughly 25 per cent less than current rates in that city, but higher than other cities like Richmond Hill, Aurora or Guelph.

London, Ont., residents pay the most in Ontario with dedicated stormwater management user fees averaging approximately $200 per year.

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