Abstract
This study highlights the potential of stormwater fees, commonly referred to as “rain taxes”, as a solution to urban stormwater management challenges within Canada, attributed to the increased urbanization and climate change impacts. A comprehensive SWOT analysis reveals the rain taxes ability to generate dedicated funding to be utilized for sustainable stormwater infrastructure, incentivizing property owners to reduce runoff, and enhance climate resilience. However, challenges such as administrative complexities, public resistance and possible uneven economic impacts may limit the taxation’s widespread adoption. The paper highlights the importance of communication, equitable fee structures and community engagement to develop public acceptance and develop fairness. Opportunities for leveraging these taxes in order to drive green infrastructure investments, advancements within technology and inter-municipal collaboration are emphasized. Moreover, the study underscores the need for adaptive management strategies and consistent policy frameworks to approach long-term sustainability goals. Limitations of the SWOT analysis comprising of the subjectivity and possible lack of depth are acknowledged, emphasizing the importance of iterative reassessment in dynamic urban and environmental contexts. The findings within this analysis provides actionable insights for policymakers, stakeholders and municipalities to design and implement rain taxes effectively, ensuring their role as a key tool within Canada’s urban sustainability strategies on the basis of stormwater management.
Published Version
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