Parking lots are designed to store surface water during rainstorms. The water will eventually drain into the stormwater sewer system.

Under Section 7(1) of the Drainage Bylaw, all properties other than duplexes shall provide private drainage systems for stormwater runoff from roofs, parking areas, storage areas, paved areas and courtyards.

All new commercial and multi-family properties must have stormwater management on-site. A Lot Grading Plan (Surface Drainage Plan) must display the proposed on-site drainage. In this case, the builders of the new commercial site must control their own grading and cooperate with the owners of the other properties to ensure that the surface drainage does not flow on to adjacent lands. Retaining walls may be required to achieve this.

You should also look at your own site grading. You may need to make adjustments to provide a better level of protection from rainfall and melting snow.

Maintaining the site grading is the responsibility of the condominium association. If the project was built after 1993, there should be an approved Lot Grading Plan (Surface Drainage Plan) for the project. Problems in projects built before 1993 must be solved using common sense, good grading principles, and the provisions of the Drainage Bylaw.

Information can be provided under the Freedom of Information and Privacy (FOIP) with a written request including property address and legal description. The request can be sent by mail, fax or email to Drainage Services. Generally, we'll respond within two working days.