Stormwater Fee
A new fee to ensure a dedicated funding source to maintain and upgrade the Town's infrastructure to protect properties from flooding.
Understanding stormwater
Stormwater is rain and melted snow that runs off roofs, driveways, parking lots and roads. This runoff is collected and managed through Oakville's stormwater system to help reduce flooding, protect property, and maintain local creeks, ponds and shorelines.
In 2026, Oakville introduced a dedicated stormwater fee to support the infrastructure, maintenance and improvements required to manage stormwater across the community.
Understanding the separate fee on your property tax bill
This is not a new cost. Stormwater costs previously were included in your property taxes. Now, they are shown as a separate fee so you can clearly see what you are paying for and how it affects your total bill.
The fee appears under “Special Charges” and replaces the portion of property taxes that previously funded stormwater services. Every dollar collected goes directly to Oakville’s rainwater management program and can only be used to operate, maintain and improve the stormwater system.
How the stormwater fee is calculated
The stormwater fee is based on property type, not on what is built or installed on the property.
Residential properties
For residential properties, the fee is a fixed annual amount based on home type:
- Detached homes (low density)
- Semi-detached homes (medium density)
- Townhomes, condos and apartments (high density)
These categories reflect typical differences in property size and the amount of hard surface area that contributes to rainwater runoff. Larger property types are generally placed in higher fee categories.
Non-residential properties
For non-residential properties (commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-residential), the fee is variable.
It is based on the amount of hard surface area, such as rooftops and parking areas, that contribute to runoff.
- Charges are applied per 100 square metres of property area
- Rates may vary by land use
- A minimum fee of $25 applies
This approach helps ensure fees are aligned with how much runoff a property is expected to generate.
To make the transition easier, the stormwater fee is being introduced gradually. You will not pay the full amount right away.
Residential properties
- 2026: 50 per cent of the full fee
- 2027: 75 per cent of the full fee
- 2028: 100 per cent of the full fee
Example:
A semi-detached (medium density) home with a full annual fee of $128 would pay:
- $64 in 2026
- $96 in 2027
- $128 in 2028
Non-residential properties
- 2026: 25 per cent of the full fee
- 2027: 50 per cent of the full fee
- 2028: 75 per cent of the full fee
- 2029: 100 per cent of the full fee
Example:
If the full rate for a commercial property is $51 per 100 square metres, the phased-in charges would be about:
- $13 per 100 square metres in 2026
- Increasing each year until the full rate applies in 2029
The rates below reflect the phased-in approach.
Residential
Year 1 (2026 – 50 per cent of full rate):
- Low density (detached homes): $137 per year
- Medium density (semi-detached): $64 per year
- High density (townhomes, condos and apartments): $30 per year
Full rates (2028 – 100 per cent):
- Low density: $273 per year
- Medium density: $128 per year
- High density: $60 per year
Non-residential
Year 1 (2026 – 25 per cent of full rate):
- Commercial and industrial: $13 per 100 square metres
- Institutional and mixed-use: $11 per 100 square metres
- Special: $2 per 100 square metres
Full rates (2029 – 100 per cent):
- Commercial and industrial: $51 per 100 square metres
- Institutional and mixed-use: $42 per 100 square metres
- Special: $6 per 100 square metres
These rates are set through Oakville’s Stormwater Management Fees and Charges By-law and may be updated by Council.
Residential properties are not eligible for this program. However, homeowners may qualify for separate rebates or subsidies offered by Halton Region and Conservation Halton.
A stormwater credit program for non-residential properties is in development and expected to launch in 2027.
Information on eligibility, requirements, and how to apply will be shared as the program is finalized.
Sign up for the Town’s e-Alerts to be notified when the program launches and details are available.
Where your stormwater fee goes
Your stormwater fee supports the system that manages rainwater across Oakville, helping reduce flooding and protect homes, roads and local waterways.
All stormwater fee revenue is deposited into the Town’s Stormwater Management Reserve Fund and used only for stormwater purposes. Annual updates will outline how funds are invested and what projects were delivered.
Every few years, Town Council will review the fee structure and the credit program to ensure they remain fair, transparent and effective.
Related documents and resources
Contact
ServiceOakville
905-845-6601