Good News for Glanbrook Residents: Stormwater Fee Deferred to 2027 – Now's the Time to Speak Up

Councillor Mark Tadeson at Council

As your Ward 11 Councillor, I'm pleased to share some positive developments on the City's stormwater fee that many of us in rural and suburban Glanbrook have been concerned about.

This past week, I brought forward a motion at Council to defer the implementation of the new stormwater management fee until January 1, 2027. I'm happy to report that a majority of my colleagues supported it, giving us valuable breathing room.

This deferral means the fee – sometimes called the "rain tax" by critics – won't appear on utility bills anytime soon. More importantly, it aligns perfectly with an ongoing provincial consultation that could bring real relief, especially for our farmers, greenhouse operators, and rural property owners.

What's Happening at the Provincial Level - Stormwater Fees?

The Ontario government has posted a proposal to amend regulations under the Municipal Act, 2001 (O. Reg. 584/06) and the City of Toronto Act, 2006 (O. Reg. 595/06). The key change: prohibiting municipalities from imposing stormwater fees or charges on certain agricultural properties – specifically farms, greenhouses, and managed forest properties that aren't directly connected to municipal storm sewers.

The province has heard loud and clear from rural communities across Ontario, including right here in Hamilton, that these fees can place an unfair burden on landowners who naturally absorb much of the rainwater on their properties through fields, trees, and soil – rather than contributing to urban runoff issues.

This proposal is open for public feedback right now on the Regulatory Registry: https://www.regulatoryregistry.gov.on.ca/proposal/52753

Comments close on December 29, 2025 – that's just a couple weeks away, so please don't delay!

In my own submission, I went further: I called on the province to expand exemptions to include all rural residents whose properties aren't connected to the City's built stormwater system. Many homes in Glanbrook fit this description – we manage our own drainage through ditches, natural absorption, and septic systems, yet we were still facing this new charge. Fairness demands broader relief.

Why This Matters for Glanbrook

We've been fighting this issue for years. Rural properties often have large lots with plenty of green space that acts as a natural sponge for stormwater, reducing flood risks for everyone downstream. Charging the same way as dense urban areas with big parking lots and rooftops just doesn't make sense.

As reported in the Hamilton Spectator this week, the province's proposed exemptions for farms, greenhouses, and managed forests are a step in the right direction — and the deferral to 2027 ensures Hamilton doesn't move ahead without clarity from Queen's Park. Read the full article here.

This is local advocacy in action: listening to residents, working with colleagues across Council, and pressing the province for policies that respect our rural way of life.

Your Voice Counts – Please Comment Today

I encourage every Ward 11 resident – farmers, greenhouse owners, rural homeowners, and anyone concerned – to submit feedback on the provincial proposal. Tell them why exemptions should go further and protect all unconnected rural properties.

It's quick and easy: Visit the link below, read the details, and share your thoughts. Forward it to friends, neighbours, and your local networks – the more voices from Glanbrook, the stronger our message.

https://www.regulatoryregistry.gov.on.ca/proposal/52753 

Together, we can ensure any future stormwater program is truly fair and equitable.

If you have questions or need help submitting, feel free to reach out to my office.

Take care,

Councillor Mark Tadeson

Ward 11 – Glanbrook