Stormwater Management

Sault Ste. Marie Stormwater Financing Study

In November 2017, the City of Sault Ste. Marie initiated the Stormwater Financing Study to explore alternative ways to pay for its stormwater management program. The City procured the services of AECOM, an engineering consulting firm, to assist in the completion of this study.

The importance of stormwater management

Stormwater comes from the rain and melted snow and generates runoff that flows over land and into storm drains. In our city, most stormwater runoff is generated from hard surfaces like roofs and driveways, carrying pollution into waterways, and potentially causing flooding along the way.

Managing stormwater protects the health and safety of our community. The City consistently invests in stormwater management – including our catch basins, ditches, sewers, and other infrastructure. However, our infrastructure is aging and will need to be renewed on a regular basis to avoid costly repairs in the future.

What is the purpose of this study?

In addition to the current stormwater management program, Council adopted the Stormwater Management Master Plan and Guidelines (Master Plan) in 2015. The Master Plan recommends strategies to address stormwater quality and quantity concerns into the future, and recommends that options be considered to fund these strategies.

The Stormwater Financing Study is underway to investigate a sustainable and fair funding source to support both the City's current stormwater management program and the implementation of the recommended Master Plan strategies.

What financing options is the City currently exploring?

The City of Sault Ste. Marie is investigating several options to provide funding for its stormwater management program. These options may include:
  • Increased property tax rates
  • Additional budget allocations for both overall and urban only capital funds
  • A stormwater surcharge
  • A new stormwater management user fee program

How can I stay involved?

The City of Sault Ste. Marie will allow residents to have their say and provide feedback. The City understands that good planning involves the community, and that better decisions are made when many perspectives are considered. The City will encourage residents to help shape the plans for stormwater management funding which will help meet the needs of the community and current and future stormwater demand.

The first Public Information Centre was held on Tuesday, March 6, 2018. To view the Public Information Centre panels and to complete the online comment form, please see the links below.

Public Information Centre Panels - March 6, 2018

For more information

Contact us with any additional comments or questions at any time:

Catherine Taddo, P. Eng.
Land Development and Environmental Engineer
City of Sault Ste. Marie
Phone705-759-5380
Emailc.taddo@cityssm.on.ca

Rick Talvitie, P. Eng.
Project Manager
AECOM
Phone705-942-2612
Emailrick.talvitie@aecom.com

Additional Information

The City completed a Stormwater Management Master Plan and Guidelines document with the following goals:

  • Update and develop policies for the design of the City storm sewer conveyance system.
  • Develop policies for the design of stormwater management infrastructure.
  • Develop a capital works program to implement stormwater management infrastructure.

The objectives of the Master Plan are as follows:

  • Review water sampling completed by various departments and Ministries
  • Identify likely sources of contamination
  • Determine the existing storm trunk sewer system capacity for defined areas and assess flood prone areas by modeling
  • Obtain public and stakeholder comment on the current situation
  • Develop and assess alternative stormwater management strategies
  • Select and describe a preferred stormwater strategy
  • Develop an Implementation Plan and review funding opportunities

Storm Water Management Master Plan and Guidelines

Contact Us

Phone
705-759-5378

Email
engineering@cityssm.on.ca

Fax
705-541-7165

TTY
1-877-688-5528

Location
Civic Centre - Level 5

Our Team