More Ottawa residents now eligible for rain rebates

Rain Ready Ottawa has expanded its program, with thousands more residents eligible for rebates for gardens, permeable pavement, downspouts and more.

This means that residents may be eligible for a rebate of up to $5,000, intended to help in the installation of a rain diversion project on their property.

According to the City of Ottawa, installation of the following rain diversion projects are included in this expanded rebate project:

• Downspouts
• Rain barrels
• A rain garden
• A soakaway pit
• Permeable pavement driveway

To be eligible for a rebate, residents must live in one of the priority areas identified as significant to the health of local waterways that drain into the Ottawa River, the municipality said.

To determine eligibility, residents can use the tool on the program webpage.

“When rain falls on buildings, streets and parking lots, it moves quickly into storm sewers that drain straight into our streams and rivers, picking up pollutants along the way,” wrote the city.

This may cause problems, including:

• Poor water quality in creeks and rivers
• Increased risks of flooding and erosion
• Habitat degradation
• Beach closures

The organization is encouraging residents to take action, in efforts to reduce the impact of both combined sewage overflows and storm water on the Ottawa River.

This includes the city and residents working together to reduce the harmful impacts of rainwater runoff, helping to build a green and sustainable municipality.