Publication 867: A Guide for Property Owners involved with the Drainage Act in Ontario
Learn what you need to do as a property owner to create, improve and maintain rural drains. This technical information is for rural residents in Ontario.
Executive summary
The Drainage Act, 1990 (the Act) in Ontario is legislation that helps property owners find solutions to their drainage needs. This guide is designed to assist property owners understand the Act and navigate through the various processes.
The guide is presented in 8 chapters.
Chapter 1 presents background information on drainage law (both the Common Law and statute law), watercourses and drains and the Act.
Chapter 2 provides details on the creation of a new drain by petition from a property owner perspective.
Chapter 3 provides details on making improvements to existing drains.
Chapter 4 provides information on the management of drains including maintaining and repairing drains, changes to properties served by an existing drain, abandoning drains and changes to the original maintenance and repair assessment schedule.
Chapter 5 provides information about appeal opportunities available to property owners.
Chapter 6 discusses the grants available under the Act.
Chapter 7 provides information on the responsibilities of the property owner involved in a drainage project under the Act. It covers opportunities to incorporate features into a drain that could address:
- climate change
- fish and wildlife habitat
- water quality and quantity enhancements
- wetlands
- water retention
Chapter 8 provides resources to assist property owners with navigating the Act’s processes.
Appendix A guides property owners through the process of completing a “Petition for Drainage Works by Owner” form before submitting it to the municipality.
Order information
Download a PDF or order a printed copy online at Publications Ontario, or by phone through the ServiceOntario Contact Centre. The ServiceOntario Contact Centre is open Monday to Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 5 p.m.
You can reach the ServiceOntario Contact Centre via:
Tel: 416-326-5300 TTY: 416-325-3408 Toll-free TTY: 1-800-268-7095 (Ontario)Toll-free: 1-800-668-9938 (Canada)
Disclaimer
If you require this information in an alternative format, contact ag.info.omafa@ontario.ca. We will:
- acknowledge your request within 3 business days
- provide you with the content within 15 business days