Storm Service Questionnaire

We would like to know whether residents within the project limits are interested in having a private storm drain connection installed on their property. This connection accepts sump pump discharge and/or localized surface drainage from private property.

About storm drain connections

There are two types of storm drain connections available:

• Sump Pump Connection – This connection is for basement sump pumps.
• Storm Water Connection – This connection is intended for drainage other than from a sump pump, and may include private catch basins. Please note that connections to roof drains (downspouts) are not permitted under current by-laws.

We only install storm drain connections up to the street property line. It is the property owner's responsibility to make the connection between the property line and the house, including all internal and external plumbing.

If there is a need for a private connection, we will investigate whether it is possible to offer this connection to the street property line. City staff may need to meet with you to find a suitable location for its installation. This meeting must happen early in the planning process to be sure that the service can be installed.

In some cases, it may not be possible to install a connection, due to the location of the proposed storm sewer main. However, we will consider all requests for this service according to our ability to provide an economical solution to existing homeowners’ drainage needs.

Fees

To connect the storm drain to the property, we need a time-limited, partly refundable deposit. This covers the initial cost of the storm service connection. We will refund this deposit minus an inspection fee once the service connection is complete. The purpose of the deposit is to ensure that the connection is made and that it is functioning properly.

The 2023 fee is $578.14 with a refund of $472.06 upon completion and inspection. Fees are subject to change annually based on the current year fee schedule approved by Council.

You must make the connection to the house within twelve (12) months of the storm service installation. We will confirm with you the exact timing once we get the required deposit. If you do not make the private side connection within this period, there will be no refund of the deposit.

The fee does not include any design work or investigations to address site-specific drainage problems. We recommend you hire a qualified expert to identify the cause and solution to drainage issues on your private property.

If you are interested

Please complete the following section and let us know if you interested in obtaining a storm service connection. If yes, we will contact you to confirm the details and give instructions on making the payment.

If you have any questions, please contact the Engineering Division by email at engineering@kitchener.ca or phone at 519-741-2345 (TTY: 1-866-969-9994).