The City of Steinbach is moving forward with a new land drainage bylaw aimed at improving stormwater management and reducing flooding concerns after major rain events in recent years.
City advances update to sump pump bylaw first introduced in 2003
“This follows the direction provided by Council after the Strategic Priorities Committee meeting last week,” says City Manager Troy Warkentin.
Councillor Michael Zwaagstra says the revised bylaw is one part of a broader strategy to address flooding issues in Steinbach.
“We are taking a multi-pronged approach in terms of dealing with flooding issues. This bylaw is one component of it,” Zwaagstra says.
Zwaagstra explained the original 2003 bylaw required sump pumps in newer homes and established drainage standards during construction, but the updated bylaw would allow the city to inspect properties later to ensure standards continue to be met.
Homeowner impact as drainage bylaw moves forward
Councillor Jake Hiebert said while the bylaw is important, homeowners may experience frustrations without clear guidance.
“If there will be frustration, I believe, on the homeowner’s part… they pump their water onto their grass and when you have a wet fall, you can’t cut your grass. You have to do something with that water. What are the different options around that?”
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Steinbach’s Chief Administrative Officer, Troy Warkentin said public education materials and recommendations for homeowners are expected to accompany the rollout of the bylaw.
Council also discussed concerns about sump pump discharge onto sidewalks, which can freeze in winter and create hazards for pedestrians.
Administration says those situations are already covered under the city’s nuisance bylaw, but enforcement depends on residents reporting concerns.
“If the city’s aware of it, administration is able to address it,” Warkentin said.
Updating the bylaw as the city changes
Mayor Earl Funk called the revised bylaw a necessary update as the city continues to grow and faces more extreme weather events.
“The bylaw was working and it was working well,” said Funk of the 2003 rules.
“But now as our city changes … we need to change our bylaw as well.”
Council unanimously approved first reading of the bylaw.
Further policy details are expected to come before council later this summer.
The City of Steinbach will now schedule a public hearing for this newly updated bylaw to give residents a chance to provide feedback.
The updated bylaw will include new enforcement measures and penalties for violations, while the city also plans to provide public education and guidance for homeowners on managing drainage and sump pump water.
With files from Kenton Dyck