Past practice in the Town of Cobourg was to fund stormwater infrastructure through property taxes. Through asset management planning it was noted that that Stormwater Management was under funded and an additional 1.2 million annually was required to properly fund the Town’s stormwater infrastructure.
In June 2022, Cobourg Council adopted a Stormwater Asset Management Plan and approved the implementation of a dedicated funding source for stormwater management, similar to the full cost recovery system that is in place for water and wastewater assets in Cobourg. Stormwater fees are based on the type and size of the property. With this system, more impermeable properties, such as commercial and industrial lands pay a heavier percentage of the costs than low-density residential lands. Therefore, lessening the burden on residential property owners.
Stormwater Management
Stormwater is a form of wastewater whereby rainwater and snowmelt run off properties and often makes its way through the storm sewer system and/or a stormwater pond before discharging to the environment. Even if water does not directly flow from your property into our stormwater system, all the lands and roads in Cobourg are serviced by stormwater infrastructure. The purpose of stormwater management is to maintain the health of streams, lakes and aquatic life by mitigating the effects of urban development.
The Town of Cobourg stormwater management system is valued at approximately
$70.2 million. Stormwater assets include:
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Over 70km of storm sewers
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3,474 manholes and catch basins
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6 stormwater ponds
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3 pump stations
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65 outlets points
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4 oil/grit separators
Billing Updates
In June 2024, Council moved to implement an updated rate structure for Stormwater Management. Based on feedback from the community and a full review of the Town of Cobourg stormwater rate structure, Council has chosen to implement a flat fee for residential/vacant properties and industrial/commercial/institutional properties up to one acre in size.
The new rate structure will be retroactively applied to the inception of stormwater fees (January 1, 2023). New rates and previous year adjustments will be included on February bills.
About Dedicated Stormwater Billing:
Following feedback from the community and a full review of the Town of Cobourg stormwater rate structure, Council has chosen to implement a fee structure that will include a flat fee for properties up to one acre in size.
Additional charges of $188.28/hectare per month will apply for all commercial, institutional and industrial properties above one acre/0.40469 hectares.
There are no additional charges for residential, agricultural or vacant land that are above one acre in size.
| Property Type | Billing Rates |
| Residential | $7.78 per month ($93.40/year) |
| Vacant Land (including cemeteries) | $7.78 per month ($93.40/year) |
| Industrial/Commercial/Institutional up to 1 Acre (0.40469 ha) in size |
$7.78 per month ($93.40/year) |
| Industrial/Commercial/Institutional greater than 1 Acre (0.40469 ha) in size |
$7.78 + $188.28/hectare per month |
Frequently Asked Questions
Be sure to read this Frequently Asked Questions document for more information.
Why Are Stormwater Management Fees Being Implemented?
For more information regarding the implementation of new Stormwater Management fees please review the Stormwater Asset Management Plan and Funding Assessment
Think Your Property Area is Incorrect?
The Town of Cobourg received all property sizes from MPAC. The appeal process for stormwater rates is related to the property area listed on your MPAC assessment.
If you believe your property size needs to be confirmed, submit a property confirmation request form, and a Town of Cobourg staff member will follow up with you.
If you have questions about your stormwater management bill, please contact Lakefront Utility Services Inc.
Email: lusi@lusi.on.ca
Phone: 905-372-2193
Questions?
If you have additional questions and would like to speak with staff please email stormwater@cobourg.ca
Contact Us
Town of Cobourg
55 King Street West
Cobourg, ON K9A 2M2
Phone: 905-372-4301
Toll Free: 1-888-972-4301
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