City of Peterborough's Rain Garden Subsidy Program Open For Fifth Year

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The City of Peterborough’s Rain Garden Subsidy Program, in partnership with GreenUP, is launching its fifth year that provides eligible property owners with educational resources and up to $1,000 toward the cost of installing a rain garden.

PHOTO COURTESY OF THE CITY OF PETERBOROUGH.

“Currently, only 25 per cent of Peterborough’s stormwater is filtered for pollutants before entering natural waterways, such as the Otonabee River or Jackson Creek,” said Curtis Mei, City’s stormwater systems coordinator. “Rain gardens are an important part of a greener stormwater management strategy. Rain gardens reduce the amount of polluted runoff entering local waterways, which keeps the watershed healthy and can also reduce the risk of localized urban flooding.”

Rain gardens must be designed and located in a particular way to function properly. This subsidy process provides support for property owners, including design templates, educational resources, and on-site consultation from GreenUP staff.

“We know folks can be intimidated by the idea of designing and building their own rain garden, but it’s doable with a bit of support,” explained Laura Keresztesi, GreenUP coordinator with Neighbourhood and Residential programs. “That’s why GreenUP has partnered with the City to support this subsidy program. We help applicants through the process, step-by-step.”

This year, the maximum subsidy amount is $1,000 per garden, and GreenUP provides up to two on-site visits to advise on design and construction.

“The number of subsidies is limited and are awarded on a first come, first serve basis,” explained Keresztesi. “We encourage you to reach out as soon as possible.”

Interested property owners, organizations and businesses can learn more and begin the application process online at peterborough.ca/RainGarden.

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