Cobourg, ON (May 12, 2022) – The Town of Cobourg's Public Works Division in partnership with the Communications Department is pleased to announce the launch of the Stormwater Management Funding Assessment on Engage Cobourg, an online public engagement platform designed to gather feedback and comments from residents.
The goal of the stormwater management funding assessment is to create a recurring funding model to support the maintenance of this essential infrastructure. Past practice in Ontario has typically been to fund stormwater management costs from the general tax levy. Recent trends are now moving towards dedicated funding sources, similar to the full cost recovery system that is in place for water and wastewater assets in Cobourg. Having a stable funding source for critical infrastructure such as water and wastewater ensures that operating and capital budgets are funded adequately to keep residents and the environment safe and healthy.
“As part of the Town of Cobourg’s ongoing development of a comprehensive asset management plan, we are currently undertaking a complete assessment of alternative funding models and rate structures that are available for recovering costs associated with stormwater assets,” said Laurie Wills, Director of Public Works.
Stormwater management is also a form of wastewater treatment whereby rainwater and snowmelt runs off across dirty roads and properties, makes its way through the storm sewer system and into a stormwater pond to settle out contaminants, before being released to our creeks and drinking water source, Lake Ontario.
Members of the public are invited to visit Engage Cobourg until May 26th to review the May 9th Committee of the Whole presentation by Watson & Associates who summarized the results of the funding assessment that will better enable the Town of Cobourg to plan for long-range investments in stormwater management. The full Watson & Associates stormwater assessment report can also be viewed on Engage Cobourg.
Public Engagement Objective:
The public engagement objective for the Stormwater Management Funding Assessment is to inform residents and receive feedback and questions.
How Residents Can submit their Feedback:
Cobourg residents can share their thoughts on the Stormwater Management Funding Assessment by contributing to the following Public Engagement opportunities:
This public engagement project closes on Thursday, May 26 at 4 p.m.
After consideration of all questions and comments received, a Staff report will be prepared for Council’s consideration in the summer at a date to be determined.
Visit engagecobourg.ca to view the complete public engagement project and to learn more.
Register on Engage Cobourg Today!
Residents of the Town of Cobourg are encouraged to create a profile online and participate in current public engagement projects. To register on Engage Cobourg visit www.engagecobourg.ca and click the Register Today! button. For questions or help registering please email communications@cobourg.ca.