How we manage stormwater
Every time it rains or snow melts in Wrenford, the water flows across streets, driveways, and lawns. Our job is to make sure that runoff reaches the storm sewers safely, without washing pollutants into the Tamsin River, Corvid Creek, or Ambrel Lake. We also work to keep streets and basements dry during heavy storms.
We follow the Wrenford Stormwater Management Strategy, which treats rainwater as a resource. Instead of sending every drop straight to the river, we use green infrastructure like rain gardens, permeable pavements, and bioswales to soak water into the ground. This recharges the water table, keeps creeks flowing in the summer, and cuts down on flood risk.
What you can do
Homeowners and businesses play a big part in keeping our drainage system working. Here are simple steps you can take:
- Disconnect downspouts. Move downspouts so they drain at least 1.8 metres (six feet) away from your foundation. Connect them to a rain garden, a swale, or a dry well instead of the sanitary sewer.
- Grade your lot. Make sure your yard slopes away from your house for at least 1.8 metres. This stops surface water from pooling around your basement.
- Plant a rain garden. A rain garden is a shallow, planted depression that captures runoff from roofs and driveways. It soaks water into the ground and filters out oils and sediment.
- Keep storm inlets clear. Do not throw leaves, grass clippings, or trash near storm drains. A blocked inlet can cause street flooding within minutes.
Rural and suburban drainage
In Wrenford's rural and suburban areas, municipal ditches and culverts move runoff away from roads and homes. The City maintains thousands of metres of drainage ditches and hundreds of culverts across the city limits. We also monitor water levels along the Tamsin River and Corvid Creek during spring freshet and autumn storms.
If you live near a municipal ditch or culvert, you must keep the area clear of debris, tall vegetation, and stored materials. Do not dump soil, construction waste, or chemicals into the ditch. If a private driveway culvert is blocked or damaged, the property owner is responsible for fixing it. Contact us if you think a municipal culvert needs attention.
Reporting a drainage or flooding issue
If you see standing water that does not drain, a blocked storm inlet, or a flooded ditch, report it so our crews can respond. You can submit a request online through Service Wrenford 311, or call 311 (or 519-555-0100 if you are outside the city). For after-hours water main breaks, call 519-555-0111. Our Drainage & Flood Mitigation team reviews reports during business hours and dispatches crews as needed.
Floodplain permits along the Tamsin River and its tributaries are managed by the Tamsin Valley Conservation Authority, not the City. If you need help with a flood mitigation application or want to discuss lot grading and drainage options, visit us at Room 302, Wrenford City Hall, 100 Mercer Street, Wrenford, ON N4Q 1A1, or email [email protected].
Related resources
Learn more about water conservation, green infrastructure projects, and how to protect our local waterways.