Stormwater credit for non-residential and multi-residential properties

A credit reduces the stormwater charge for a multi-residential or non-residential property. You can apply for a new credit, update an approved credit, or renew a credit that’s about to expire.

The property owner must be able to show how stormwater management best practices were implemented to reduce impacts to the City’s stormwater management system. Usually by controlling the quantity and quality of stormwater leaving your property.

Categories and evaluation criteria

You must provide engineering reports and drawings that show how well your stormwater best management practices perform. Your best management practices will be measured against these four categories and evaluation criteria:

Peak flow reduction

Manage stormwater runoff rates and reduce the potential and severity of flooding on downstream land. This could include drainage inlet controls, underground chamber systems, stormwater basins or ponds.

Water quality treatment

Remove solids and other contaminants from stormwater runoff. This could include a stormwater pond, oil and grit separators or green infrastructure.

Runoff volume reduction

Promote the reduction of the amount of stormwater runoff to the City’s stormwater system. This could include green infrastructure such as bioretention, infiltration, permeable pavements or rainwater harvesting systems.

Pollution prevention

Prepare and implement a plan for the handling, replacement or reduced use of harmful materials created or used on a property.

Stormwater credit amounts

The total stormwater credit cannot exceed 50%.

Credit category Evaluation criteria Maximum credit amount (percentage)
Peak flow reduction Per cent reduction of the 100 year post-development flow to pre-development conditions of the site. Up to 40%
Water quality treatment Per cent of site (hard surface) receiving water quality treatment consistent with Provincial criteria for enhanced treatment. Up to 10%
Runoff volume reduction Per cent capture of first 15 mm of rainfall during a single rainfall event. Up to 15%
Pollution prevention Develop and implement a pollution prevention plan. Up to 5%

Greening Corporate Grounds program

Learn more about stormwater management improvements that can qualify for a stormwater credit through Credit Valley Conservation’s Greening Corporate Grounds program.

How to apply

You can apply for a new credit, update or renew an approved credit online, or by mail. It will take a minimum of four weeks for your application to be processed.

For detailed information about the application requirements and process, read the Stormwater Charge Credit Application Guidance Manual.

Apply online

You’ll need to provide:

  • The property’s full address
  • Your business contact information and email
  • Engineering reports and drawings that show how your property implemented stormwater management best practices

Reports and drawings must be prepared by a Professional Engineer registered in Ontario and qualified in municipal engineering and stormwater management.

Check request status Apply for stormwater credit online


Apply by mail

Complete the Stormwater Charge Credit Application Form and mail it to:

City of Mississauga
Transportation and Works
Environmental Services
201 City Centre Drive, Suite 800
Mississauga, Ontario L5B 2T4

What happens next

When reviewing your application, we may contact you to conduct a site inspection of your property.

Once your application has been approved, we’ll notify you by mail.

Stormwater credits will be in effect for up to five years or as otherwise specified at
the time of credit approval. Credits will expire if they’re not renewed prior to the expiration date.

Contact us

If you have any questions about the credits or the application process, please email us at stormwater@mississauga.ca.

Personal information

Your personal information is collected under the authority of sections 11(1) and 227(c) of the Municipal Act, 2001 and will be used by City of Mississauga Staff to respond to your service request and/or inquiry.