All residents, properties and businesses in the City of Clarence-Rockland benefit from stormwater management. It keeps streets and basements dry, local waterways healthy and our drinking water sources clean.

Ways the City of Clarence-Rockland manages stormwater are:

  • storm sewers;
  • catch basins;
  • stormwater outlets;
  • wet and dry ponds;
  • municipal drains;
  • culverts; and
  • roadside ditches;

Lot Grading

The grade of your property is designed to direct water away from your home towards ideal areas for drainage. Keep these frequently asked grading questions in mind before starting any landscaping projects.

Frequently Asked Grading Questions

Why is lot grading important?

Proper lot grading keeps surface water away from your home. Your lot should be sloped away from the home to allow all surface water to soak into the ground or flow towards the property line. Changes to the grade of your lot can significantly impact how water flows across your property. This can damage your foundation, causing erosion or flooding basements and streets.

What am I responsible for as a property owner?

Property owners are responsible for maintaining the lot grade elevations established by the original grading plan. When hiring private contractors for landscaping or yard alteration, ensure that they respect the intended drainage design when carrying out the work. This will reduce additional costs and stress that stems from improper lot grading.

Where can I obtain the grading plan for my property?

You can obtain your property's grading plan by contacting the Construction Department or completing a Freedom of Information Request at the Client Service Centre.

What should I do if my neighbour's downspout drains on to my property?

Speaking with your neighbour is the first step. Inform them on how their drainage may negatively impact your property.

You may also visit the OMAFRA website.

I'm planning minor landscaping, how do I know if I am violating the drainage by-law?

Small gardens are permitted as long as they do not interfere with the intended drainage of your property.  Do not fill in sloped swales or depressions. Never cover a catch basin, they are designed to help remove excess water from your lawn.

Why do I have a catch basin in my backyard?

Catch basins assist both you and properties abutting your lot in removing excess water. Never block a catch basin as that may increase the chances of local flooding. Never pour anything down a catch basin as this leads directly to a nearby waterway.

Where should water be redirected?

Water from a downspout should flow onto your property and soak into the ground. Never direct water onto a neighbour's property, a sidewalk, right of way or easement. If space is limited, redirect water to the intended drainage point. Your downspout should be directed away from your home to a permeable surface such as grass. Extend your downspout at least four feet away from your foundation while respecting your neighbour's property.