Those who create stormwater runoff problems should
pay for them, not their neighbours. I've been arguing, for
years, that we should use economic tools to reward good behaviour
and discourage bad behaviour. Instead, we so often do the opposite,
with stormwater pricing being a classic example. In most Canadian
municipalities, buildings with huge flat roofs or giant parking
lots create big problems with the quantity, quality and speed of
storm water runoff that they pay little to control. Instead, the
costs fall heavily on other city ratepayers and/or water users,
while lakes and rivers become contaminated.
I was therefore delighted to learn more about how well Kitchener's new program of tiered stormwater
rates has been rolled out.The first storm water management
utility bills were issued in February. Aerial photos (thank you,
Google Maps!) are used to measure the impervious area on each
property, and storm water management rates are imposed accordingly.
Small
