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Source verified June 30, 2026
Stormwater Incentive Program
Stormwater fee and incentive program
Latest source updateLast Update: June 30, 2026Latest change: The content now describes Hamilton’s Stormwater Fee and Incentive Program, including 2027 implementation, annual fall rate-setting, credit options, and new application contact details.View change
Latest source update
Last Update: June 30, 2026
Latest change: The content now describes Hamilton’s Stormwater Fee and Incentive Program, including 2027 implementation, annual fall rate-setting, credit options, and new application contact details.
Stormwater Fee and Incentive Program updated
The content now shows Hamilton’s Stormwater Fee and Incentive Program instead of the prior land registry material. It adds a new fee model starting in 2027, with rates set annually each fall by Council, and explains that wastewater charges will no longer fund stormwater management; wastewater/stormwater customers can expect an average wastewater rate reduction of approximately 20%. The eligibility and incentive details are now much more specific: residential properties with fewer than seven units are billed by dwelling type, while industrial, commercial, institutional, mixed-use, and larger multi-residential properties are billed by impervious area. The program also now lists credits of up to 50% for stormwater management infrastructure measures and up to 90% for the Harbourfront Credit, with credits valid for up to five years and subject to renewal. Application instructions and contact details are now visible, including the Stormwater Fee Estimator Tool, online credit applications, pa
Funding available
Up to 50% of project cost
Deadline
Closed
Location
Hamilton, Ontario, Canada
Who can apply
Industrial, Commercial, Institutional and multi-residential properties can qualify for credits.
See full eligibility
Overview
Hamilton’s Stormwater Fee will apply in Hamilton starting in 2027 and supports a more equitable way to pay for stormwater services. It includes credits and rebates for properties that manage stormwater, plus measures such as stormwater ponds, green roofs, permeable pavement, raingardens and cisterns.
/100
Opportunity Score
Moderate potential, but conditions must align.
At a glance
Funding available
Financing goals
- Increase social or community impact
- Enhance an existing program
- Implement environmental initiatives
Eligible Funding
- Up to 50% of project cost
Funds Providers
Eligible candidates
Eligible Industries
- All industries
Location
- Hamilton
- Ontario
Legal structures
- All legal structures
Annual revenue
- All revenue ranges
Organisation size
- All organization sizes
Audience
- All groups
Next Steps
1
Determine your project
2
Validate your eligibility
Activities funded
- Reduce stormwater runoff.
- Improve stormwater quality.
- Manage stormwater on site.
- Implement stormwater management measures.
Documents Needed
- A completed application form
- Drawings showing the on-site storm sewer system, location of discharge to the Harbour/ Lake, property catchments, and the amount of property that drains to the Harbour/Lake
- Calculations that show the percentage of impervious area that drains directly to the Harbour/ Lake
- A copy of the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks approval, where applicable
- Evidence of design and performance of facilities and pollution prevention practices
Official resources
Eligibility
Who is eligible?
- Industrial, Commercial, Institutional and multi-residential properties can qualify for credits.
- Non-Residential Property owners may apply for the Harbourfront Stormwater Credit.
- Property owners who do not qualify for the automatic Green Space credit or the Harbourfront Stormwater Credit may apply for the Stormwater Infrastructure Credit.
Who is not eligible
- Property owners are only eligible for one type of Credit.
Eligible expenses
- Eco-friendly residential upgrades for the Rain Ready Rebate Program.
- Stormwater management measures and practices that support credit eligibility.
Eligible geographic areas
- Hamilton
Selection criteria
- Reduction of stormwater runoff.
- Improvement of stormwater quality.
- Presence of approved stormwater management measures.
- Proper maintenance of the measures over time.
How to apply
- Complete the Stormwater Infrastructure Credit Application online, by email, or by mail.
- Application can also be submitted by email or mail.
- To qualify for the Harbourfront Stormwater Credit, applicants must provide a completed application form, supporting approvals where applicable, drawings, and calculations.
Processing and Agreement
- Property owners must apply for the Harbourfront Stormwater Credit.
- The Licensing Office will circulate your application to Hamilton Police Services, Hamilton Fire Prevention, Hamilton Public Health Services and Hamilton's Building Department.
- The City will give you a Letter of Non-Objection when all departments are satisfied with zoning, by-law and regulation reviews.
- Exemptions must be confirmed in writing by City staff with requisite notice of commencement.
Additional information
- Only one type of credit is available per property.
- Credits are valid for up to five years and must be renewed every five years to remain valid after that time.
- The stormwater fee will be implemented in 2027.
Contacts
Frequently Asked Questions about the Stormwater Incentive Program Program
What is the Stormwater Incentive Program?
Hamilton’s Stormwater Fee will apply in Hamilton starting in 2027 and supports a more equitable way to pay for stormwater services. It includes credits and rebates for properties that manage stormwater, plus measures such as stormwater ponds, green roofs, permeable pavement, raingardens and cisterns.
How much funding can be received?
Stormwater Incentive Program Funds up to 50% of admissible expenses.
Who is eligible for the Stormwater Incentive Program program?
To be eligible for the Stormwater Incentive Program program, you must:
Industrial, Commercial, Institutional and multi-residential properties not receiving the Green Space Credit.
Measures must reduce stormwater runoff or improve stormwater quality.
Property owners must demonstrate the design and performance of facilities and pollution prevention practices.
What expenses are eligible under Stormwater Incentive Program?
Reduce stormwater runoff.
Improve stormwater quality.
Manage stormwater on site.
Implement stormwater management measures.
Who can I contact for more information about the Stormwater Incentive Program?
You can contact City of Hamilton by email at StormwaterIncentives@hamilton.ca.
Where is the Stormwater Incentive Program available?
The Stormwater Incentive Program program is available the province of Ontario.
Is the Stormwater Incentive Program a grant, loan, or tax credit?
Stormwater Incentive Program is a Grant and Funding