Stormwater systems across Canada are being challenged by many issues, from aging infrastructure to urban densification. As the climate changes, systems designed based on historical trends will need to be updated to reflect new weather patterns. Decision makers responsible for these systems will need to be proactive in planning improvements to this infrastructure in light of a changing climate.
To help chart a path toward building climate resiliency in stormwater systems, the Standards Council of Canada (SCC), Engineers Canada(link is external), Zizzo Strategy(link is external) and Credit Valley Conservation(link is external) (CVC) have published a report calling for a national stormwater quality management standard, in light of the growing challenge of extreme weather and urban flooding in Canada. The report, titled Developing a Stormwater Quality Management Standard (QMS), was funded by SCC, supported by Engineers Canada, and conducted by Zizzo Strategy and CVC.
The report provides a snapshot of the current state of stormwater planning and management and how it may be challenged by climate change. It also outlines best and emerging practices to address future needs of stormwater management in light of a changing climate, and the benefits of a national stormwater quality management standard. Based on the findings in this report, SCC will issue a Request for Proposals in 2019 to develop a National Standard of Canada.