HomeMy WebLinkAboutINS-15-030 - 2015 RAIN ProgramA,
Staff Rep►�r
Infrastructure 5erv! Department
REPORT TO: Council
DATE OF MEETING: March 30, 2015
SUBMITTED BY: Hans Gross, Director of Engineering
519- 741 -2200 X 7410
PREPARED BY: Nick Gollan, Manager, Stormwater Utility
519- 741 -2200 X 7422
WARD(S) INVOLVED: All
DATE OF REPORT: March 30, 2015
REPORT NO.: INS 15 -030
SUBJECT: RAIN Program — Contract Extension
RECOMMENDATION:
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THAT a Deputy CAO be authorized to extend the current contract for the RAIN Program
with Waterloo Region Green Solutions, doing business as REEP Green Solutions until
March 31, 2016 to the satisfaction of the City Solicitor.
EXECUTIVE SUMMARY:
The City of Kitchener created a stormwater utility in January 2010 to provide a sustained source
of operating funds to maintain and improve stormwater infrastructure in the City of Kitchener. In
January 2011 stormwater rates were applied to residential and non - residential properties. In
March 2012 residential and non - residential property credits of up to 45% (retroactive to 2011) of
the stormwater fee became available to those property owners who demonstrated the use of
stormwater management best practices. The RAIN program has been a keystone in the policy
structure to engage local property owners in the credit policy.
BACKGROUND:
During budget deliberations funding was approved to continue the RAIN program in 2015.
REPORT:
The RAIN Program success hinges on the ability of the non - profit to work with its existing
volunteer, community organization, for - profit and government agency networks to build a strong
foundation of community support. Through these networks successful working relationships are
developed with community champions and these champions in turn positively influence others
to take action, further growing the RAIN program and uptake in the City's Stormwater Credit
Policy. Unique community collaborations are paired with practical, cost effective solutions to
stormwater management problems. These make for compelling stories that drive adoption of
stormwater best management practices within the community. To date over 5,000 properties are
participating in the stormwater credit policy.
In order to implement the approved 2015 budget the RAIN contract requires an extension.
ALIGNMENT WITH CITY OF KITCHENER STRATEGIC PLAN:
Community Priority - Environment
"Continue to show leadership in the development of an environmentally sustainable community. "
The City continues to ensure effective implementation of the stormwater management facilities
in a sustainable and optimized manner in order to protect the environment and source water.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS:
This program will be funded by the Stormwater Utility in the amount of $150K.
RAIN Community -Based Activities $44,000.00
RAIN Educational Service Activities $73,250.00
RAIN Recognition Activities $32,750.00
Total (excl. HST) $150,000.00
COMMUNITY ENGAGEMENT:
This is a community -based social marketing program targeted at all property owners in the City.
CONCLUSION:
Community -based engagement related to influencing property owners to take positive action to
implement stormwater best management practices has proven to be effective.
ACKNOWLEDGED BY: Dev Tyagi, Deputy CAO
Infrastructure Services Department