Tuesday, June 25, 2013
Toronto Hydro - Project MORBANK
Toronto Hydro-Electric System Limited would like to update you of Project MORBANK designed to help improve the electricity system in our ward. The boundaries include Beswick Park Court (North), Morbank Drive (East), McNicoll Avenue (South), and Birchmount Road (West). The work is expected to begin in early July and continue till December 2013. For more information, click here for a notice that will be sent by Toronto Hydro to residents in the affected area.
Friday, June 21, 2013
The Downspout Disconnection Program
Many of you may have received a flyer in the mail claiming to be a FINAL NOTICE regarding the City of Toronto's Mandatory Downspout Disconnection By-law. This flyer is an advertisement from a private company and has not been sent out by the City. The by-law, however, is real and will be coming into effect for most of the ward on December 3rd, 2013. Many residents have called us about this program, so we've compiled some of the most common questions and answers:
What is the Mandatory Downspout Disconnection program?
As part of a series of flood protection measures, City Council approved a by-law making it mandatory for property owners to disconnect their downspouts from the stormwater system.
Why do we have to disconnect our downspouts?
Several years ago there were a series of floods throughout Toronto. Our ward was one of the areas which were hit the hardest. These floods were partially due to the stormwater systems not being able to handle the capacity. When the stormwater systems are over capacity it causes water to back up not only on the streets, but in people's basements as well.
The City has taken many measures to ensure that this does not happen again, including repairing and widening the stormwater pipes throughout the city and the ward.
Currently all rain that falls on houses is sent directly into stormwater system, and as more houses are erected in the city, more water which would have been absorbed into the ground is going into the stormwater system instead. This is not sustainable, and thus the City is asking residents to disconnect their downspouts from the system.
When do need to have my downspout disconnected?
The downspout disconnection by-law is being rolled out in three phases. Phase 1 included the downtown core and came into effect late 2011. Our ward lies mostly in Phase 2 and partially in Phase 3.
If you live in Ward 39 and your house is west of Kennedy Road, you are in Phase 2 and you will need to disconnect your downspout by December 3rd, 2013. If you live in Ward 39 and your house is east of Kennedy Road, you are in Phase 3 and you will need to disconnect your downspout by December 3rd, 2015.
If you live outside of Ward 39, please consult the City's website for more information.
What happens if I don't disconnect my downspout?
Downspout disconnection is mandatory, and if you do not complete the disconnection you may be in contravention of the by-law. While the City will not have a crew proactively inspecting downspouts, contraventions will be handled on a complaint basis and you may be subject to fines if your house is found not to be in compliance.
What kind of work do I need to do? How can I get this done?
The work is simple and can be done with a few simple tools and hardware available at your local hardware store. The City's website has a guide on how to do it yourself.
Otherwise, many private contractors will be able to help you with making the disconnection and rerouting the downspout.
Can you recommend a contractor?
Our office is unable to suggest or recommend private contractors. Please check the Yellow Pages or online for more information.
What if my downspout is too close to the house/driveway/neighbour/walkway?
There are many options available for disconnection of the downspout. Our office has seen constituents who have connected their downspouts to rain barrels, irrigation systems, employed weeping tile, or even created underground trenches to route their downspouts under their walkway tiles. Each house is unique, and there are many solutions that are available, some of which are discussed on the city's website (near the bottom)
However, there are many situations where a logical option for disconnection is not feasible. In those cases, please download a copy of the downspout disconnection exemption form from the City's website and describe why your house requires an exemption.
I'm a senior / a person with a disability, is there any assistance the City can provide?
The City has a financial assistance program for seniors and people with disabilities. Work done by a contractor to disconnect downspouts may be reimbursed for up to $500. For more information on this program and to download an application form, please see the City's website.
I was signed up with the City's Voluntary Downspout Disconnection program and work was done by the City, do I need to do anything else?
If you were on the City's Voluntary Downspout Disconnection Program, please download a copy of the exemption form and fill out the check box on the front page that says your property has already been assessed under the program.
I've signed up for the Voluntary Downspout Disconnection Program, but the work was never done. Is there anything that can be done?
The Voluntary Downspout Disconnection Project was cancelled by City Council in 2011, and unfortunately there are no provisions for those who were on the waiting list. You will be required to proceed with Mandatory Downspout Disconnection as per normal.
I'm not able to print out the forms
Please give our office a call at 416-392-1374 and we will make sure that you receive a printed copy of the relevant forms.
I have another question which is not addressed here
Please take a look at the City's website on the downspout disconnection program. There is a large variety of information and resources to help you out. The City's website also has a Frequently Asked Questions section which goes into a lot more detail.
If you still have any further questions, feel free to give our office a call at 416-392-1374 and we'll be happy to assist you.
What is the Mandatory Downspout Disconnection program?
As part of a series of flood protection measures, City Council approved a by-law making it mandatory for property owners to disconnect their downspouts from the stormwater system.
Why do we have to disconnect our downspouts?
Several years ago there were a series of floods throughout Toronto. Our ward was one of the areas which were hit the hardest. These floods were partially due to the stormwater systems not being able to handle the capacity. When the stormwater systems are over capacity it causes water to back up not only on the streets, but in people's basements as well.
The City has taken many measures to ensure that this does not happen again, including repairing and widening the stormwater pipes throughout the city and the ward.
Currently all rain that falls on houses is sent directly into stormwater system, and as more houses are erected in the city, more water which would have been absorbed into the ground is going into the stormwater system instead. This is not sustainable, and thus the City is asking residents to disconnect their downspouts from the system.
When do need to have my downspout disconnected?
The downspout disconnection by-law is being rolled out in three phases. Phase 1 included the downtown core and came into effect late 2011. Our ward lies mostly in Phase 2 and partially in Phase 3.
If you live in Ward 39 and your house is west of Kennedy Road, you are in Phase 2 and you will need to disconnect your downspout by December 3rd, 2013. If you live in Ward 39 and your house is east of Kennedy Road, you are in Phase 3 and you will need to disconnect your downspout by December 3rd, 2015.
If you live outside of Ward 39, please consult the City's website for more information.
What happens if I don't disconnect my downspout?
Downspout disconnection is mandatory, and if you do not complete the disconnection you may be in contravention of the by-law. While the City will not have a crew proactively inspecting downspouts, contraventions will be handled on a complaint basis and you may be subject to fines if your house is found not to be in compliance.
What kind of work do I need to do? How can I get this done?
The work is simple and can be done with a few simple tools and hardware available at your local hardware store. The City's website has a guide on how to do it yourself.
Otherwise, many private contractors will be able to help you with making the disconnection and rerouting the downspout.
Can you recommend a contractor?
Our office is unable to suggest or recommend private contractors. Please check the Yellow Pages or online for more information.
What if my downspout is too close to the house/driveway/neighbour/walkway?
There are many options available for disconnection of the downspout. Our office has seen constituents who have connected their downspouts to rain barrels, irrigation systems, employed weeping tile, or even created underground trenches to route their downspouts under their walkway tiles. Each house is unique, and there are many solutions that are available, some of which are discussed on the city's website (near the bottom)
However, there are many situations where a logical option for disconnection is not feasible. In those cases, please download a copy of the downspout disconnection exemption form from the City's website and describe why your house requires an exemption.
I'm a senior / a person with a disability, is there any assistance the City can provide?
The City has a financial assistance program for seniors and people with disabilities. Work done by a contractor to disconnect downspouts may be reimbursed for up to $500. For more information on this program and to download an application form, please see the City's website.
I was signed up with the City's Voluntary Downspout Disconnection program and work was done by the City, do I need to do anything else?
If you were on the City's Voluntary Downspout Disconnection Program, please download a copy of the exemption form and fill out the check box on the front page that says your property has already been assessed under the program.
I've signed up for the Voluntary Downspout Disconnection Program, but the work was never done. Is there anything that can be done?
The Voluntary Downspout Disconnection Project was cancelled by City Council in 2011, and unfortunately there are no provisions for those who were on the waiting list. You will be required to proceed with Mandatory Downspout Disconnection as per normal.
I'm not able to print out the forms
Please give our office a call at 416-392-1374 and we will make sure that you receive a printed copy of the relevant forms.
I have another question which is not addressed here
Please take a look at the City's website on the downspout disconnection program. There is a large variety of information and resources to help you out. The City's website also has a Frequently Asked Questions section which goes into a lot more detail.
If you still have any further questions, feel free to give our office a call at 416-392-1374 and we'll be happy to assist you.
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