FAQs

Campbell River’s stormwater system is aging and needs to be properly maintained and updated to ensure our homes, buildings, roads and other community assets are protected from stormwater damage. The City is building community resilience to stormwater’s impact on public and private property, and a sustainable and equitable funding source is part of these efforts.  

Every time it rains or snow melts, our streets, driveways, parking lots and rooftops prevent water from naturally soaking into the ground. Instead, the water runs off, carrying dirt, oil, gasoline, garbage, animal droppings and chemicals such as fertilizers and pesticides into storm drains, flowing through our stormwater system’s pipes and into our creeks, ponds, rivers and the ocean.  

If stormwater is not properly managed, it can result in costly and damaging impacts to City and personal property. Pooling, flooding and erosion are all possible results of stormwater, and can damage roads, sidewalks, buildings, homes and the natural environment. The risks from flooding will only increase with climate change

Residents have always contributed to funding our stormwater management system.  

Currently the stormwater management program is funded through a storm water parcel tax, where each property is charged an equal amount to cover costs related to storm water management. 

The new stormwater rate model represents a shift in how Campbell River funds our stormwater management system. Residents have always paid into stormwater management; currently, the amount residents pay is the same, no matter the size or makeup of their parcel. This means properties who contribute relatively little stormwater runoff into our City’s stormwater system, such as a small house or café, are charged the same as a property that contributes a lot of runoff, like a large parking lot. It also doesn’t encourage property owners to reduce the amount of stormwater that runs off their property. We believe we can do better.  

The current stormwater funding model is not sustainable since it does not allow for the stormwater system to be maintained and renewed as needed. Continuing with the current funding model will result in a backlog of infrastructure work to be paid by future generations.

Rural properties can contribute run-off and pollutants such as sediment and fertilizers during rainstorms, having a negative impact on water quality. 

Ditches, culverts and creeks are also part of the City’s stormwater management system and receive run-off from properties and roadways used to access these properties. Ditches, culverts and creeks require regular inspection, cleaning and maintenance to keep them working efficiently.  

A financial incentive program that offers credits, rebates and subsidies to properties that reduce their impact on the stormwater system is being considered. More details on financial incentives will be available in the coming months.