Committee expands Rain Ready Ottawa to help more residents protect their homes from flooding

The Environment and Climate Change Committee today approved a new pilot rebate stream under the City’s Rain Ready Ottawa program to help residents and multi-residential housing providers better manage rainwater and reduce flooding risks. 

The new stream would support low‑rise, multi‑unit buildings, including condominiums, co‑operatives, rental properties and non-profit affordable housing. It would help these property owners complete larger, shared projects that manage stormwater on their properties. Making these improvements can help prevent localized flooding, reduce icy conditions in winter and protect shared spaces, such as parking areas and walkways. 

By enabling coordinated projects that benefit many residents at once, the program will increase the amount of rainwater managed through each project while making it easier for property owners and housing providers to participate. The City will offer rebates of up to $30,000 per property, with up to $40,000 for non-profit affordable housing providers, helping to offset the cost of larger shared projects. 

The new rebate stream would be funded within the program’s existing budget and build on the success of Rain Ready Ottawa, which has already supported more than 500 projects across the city. Together, these efforts help strengthen neighbourhood resilience to changing climates, improve water quality and support the City’s long‑term stormwater management goals. 

The Committee received the City’s annual Drinking Water Quality Management System report, confirming that Ottawa’s drinking water remains safe and reliable, and fully meets all provincial requirements. 

The review found that the City met 100 per cent of health and regulatory standards in 2025. An independent external audit also confirmed full compliance with Ontario’s drinking water quality standards for the 14th consecutive year. 

The report highlights the City’s strong oversight and continuous improvement approach to managing drinking water systems. Staff responded effectively to all system incidents and completed required corrective actions, ensuring no impact on water quality. 

While there was an increase in watermain breaks last year, these were managed quickly and did not affect drinking water safety. The City continues to analyze these events to inform future infrastructure upgrades and maintenance planning. 

Overall, the report demonstrates that Ottawa continues to deliver high‑quality drinking water to residents, supported by rigorous testing, strong operational practices and ongoing system improvements. 

The Committee approved a plan to secure organics processing beyond 2030. This plan will ensure residents continue to receive reliable Green Bin service as the current contract comes to an end.  

The City will move forward with a competitive request for proposals to secure a short-term contract of five years, with the option to extend for another five. This approach provides flexibility while longer‑term options are considered.

The new contract will let bidders treat organic waste using either aerobic composting, which uses oxygen to break down materials into compost, or anaerobic digestion, which breaks down waste without oxygen to produce renewable gas. Both keep food waste out of landfills and reduce greenhouse gas emissions. 

City Council will consider the recommendations from today’s meeting on Wednesday, May 27.