The City of Spruce Grove, based in Alberta, is proposing a utility fee to fund the management of its stormwater infrastructure. This will help ensure the system is adequately supported and remains in good working order.
The monthly stormwater utility fee, recommended to begin in May 2020, would help provide for the maintenance of the City’s stormwater network.
The City’s stormwater infrastructure includes roadways, ditches, storm sewers, storm sewer manholes, catch basins, stormwater ponds and other facilities.
The system works together to protect water quality and reduce the risk of flooding that could cause property damage or be harmful to the environment.
“With a growing number of people and businesses living and operating in Spruce Grove, the amount of stormwater runoff in our community is increasing,” said Mark Hussey, director of engineering at the City of Spruce Grove. “That, coupled with weather fluctuations that result in heavy rains and rapidly melting snow, there is more stormwater entering the City’s stormwater network than ever before. This puts costly wear and tear on our infrastructure.”
The City has identified a need to secure dedicated funding to invest in its stormwater system. This is to avoid costly repairs in the future and to minimize potential risks to residents, property, and the environment.
An estimated $37 million in planned capital projects is required over the next 10 years. The City has investigated a variety of solutions that would provide a fair and equitable source of funding to manage its stormwater services. It is currently proposing a monthly stormwater utility fee to meet this need.
