Please note that municipal drains are separate then that of storm sewers, for storm sewers inquires please visit the Roads section of the website.
Municipal drains are created under the authority of the Drainage Act.
Most municipal drains are either ditches or closed systems such as pipes or buried tiles. They can also include structures such as dykes or berms, pumping stations, buffer strips, grassed waterways, storm water detention ponds, culverts and bridges. Most municipal drains are located within the agricultural community however they also remove excess water from roadside ditches, residential lots, commercial lands and industrials and other property types.
Maintenance and Repairs
Once a municipality passes a by-law, adopting the engineer’s report, a municipal drain becomes a part of that municipality’s infrastructure to maintain and repair.
Landowners have a responsibility for drains located on their properties. If you notice any problems contact the drainage superintendent immediately.
Following any maintenance or repairs, the municipality has the authority to assess the costs to upstream landowners as per the most recent, applicable by-law for the drain.
Depending on the age, design and condition of an existing drain it may be most suitable to submit a “Request for Improvement” form under Section 78 of the Drainage Act. Proceedings for improvements to a drain are similar to a petition for a new drain under Section 4 of the Drainage Act.
How Are Drains Created or Improved?
Municipal drains are created under the Ontario Drainage Act and has 3 stages:
Stage 1Petition for Drainage Work/Request for Improvement |
To initiate a municipal drain project, submit a petition for drainage using the prescribed form to the Municipality. To be a valid petition, the petition must be signed by:
The "area requiring drainage" is the area within a watershed with a drainage problem or need for drainage outlet – and is not the full watershed. |
Stage 2Engineers Report |
The engineer's report is temporarily adopted by by-law. Engineers consider a variety of factors in determining how the costs of municipal drains should be shared among property owners. Some of these factors include:
Appeals to the report can then occur. After all appeals are settled, Council passes a by-law adopting the engineer's report, giving us the legal authority and responsibility to build the drain. |
Stage 3Maintenance |
Once the drain has been built, the maintenance becomes part of the Municipality’s infrastructure. |
Municipal Drains Currently Being Processed
Albertson Drain |
Spriet Associates is preparing a report. The on-site meeting will be held at a later date, with notice being provided to all affected landowners. |
Collins Drain |
Collins Drain Report 2022 |
Dell Drain |
John Kuntze. P. Eng., K. Smart Associates Limited - Appellants' Expert Report Volume 1 |
McCredie Drain |
McLaws Drain |
Spriet Associates is currently working on the draft report. A second, informal landowner meeting, will be held before 2023. Information regarding the meeting will be mailed to all affected landowners. |
Vandenbrink-Davis Drain |
Municipal Drain Map
Want To Learn More?
The Government of Ontario has an informative fact sheet on what a municipal drain as well as other helpful articles, is or check out the documents listed below!