Toronto Wants to Manage Storms and Floods—With a Rain Tax

In an effort to address the increasing frequency and intensity of storms and floods in Toronto, city officials are considering implementing a rain tax. This tax would be levied on property owners based on the amount of impervious surfaces on their property, such as driveways, parking lots, and rooftops, which contribute to stormwater runoff.

The revenue generated from the rain tax would be used to fund projects aimed at managing stormwater, such as installing green infrastructure like rain gardens and permeable pavement, as well as maintaining and upgrading the city’s stormwater management system.

By incentivizing property owners to reduce their contribution to stormwater runoff through measures like installing rain barrels or green roofs, the rain tax could help mitigate the impact of storms and floods in Toronto, ultimately making the city more resilient to extreme weather events.