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

As climate change continues to impact the world, cities like Toronto are looking for innovative ways to manage storms and floods. One solution that has been gaining traction is the implementation of a rain tax.

A rain tax is a fee that is placed on properties based on the amount of impermeable surface they have. This includes things like rooftops, driveways, and parking lots that prevent rainwater from soaking into the ground. The idea is that properties with more impermeable surface contribute more to stormwater runoff, which can overwhelm the city’s drainage system and lead to flooding.

By implementing a rain tax, Toronto hopes to incentivize property owners to reduce their impermeable surface and implement green infrastructure solutions, such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, and green roofs. These green infrastructure solutions help to absorb and filter rainwater, reducing the amount of runoff that enters the city’s drainage system.

While a rain tax may be unpopular among some property owners, it is seen as a necessary step in managing the increasing frequency and intensity of storms and floods in Toronto. By investing in green infrastructure and reducing impermeable surface, the city can better protect its residents and infrastructure from the impacts of climate change.