Tempers flared at a town hall meeting for Flamborough-Glanbrook Member of Provincial Party (MPP) Donna Skelly Thursday night.
Frustrated residents filled the auditorium at Ancaster Fairgrounds to discuss the proposed Stormwater Incentive Program.
The program, also called the “rain tax” by some, would charge businesses and residences with non-absorbent surfaces, like pavement and buildings, for the upkeep of stormwater collection systems, like sewers, ditches and culverts. If approved, the program will begin September 2025.
“I know there is deep frustration and anger about this,” Skelly said at the meeting, “but telling me isn’t going to change anything.”
She said the Ministry of Agriculture is aware farmers and rural residents are unhappy with the potential additional fees, and encouraged residents to take their frustrations to City Hall in downtown Hamilton and demand to be heard.
“It is really important you get together and go to city hall and make your voices known. There seems to be a real reaction when people fill that gallery and you’re there and you’re vocal,” she said.
Some farms may see almost $87K in yearly fees
Four local farmers who are looking at steep fee increases to their businesses if the program is approved and implemented attended the meeting.
Daniel Vanderhout and his family own Beverly Greenhouses in Flamborough. He said the city’s evaluation considers their property’s two greenhouses to be around 511 billing units, putting their total bill at $86,972 a year if the program goes forward.
“If this is the type of mindset the city comes at agricultural and rural communities with now, it doesn’t bode well for what’s coming down the road,” he said.
Ward 11 (Glanbrook) Coun. Mark Tadeson, who said he has opposed the fees from the start, said there should be a rebate for rural residents.
He said the city is considering a stormwater management tax that would look at rural ponds and cisterns, which are often used as water sources on farms.
“Your Hamilton council has listened. It took a lot of time, it took a lot of work and representation from your rural councillors,” he said. “You’re going to see something positive; we just don’t know what the exact results are going to be.”
MPP calls for less bureaucracy
But Tadeson was met with pushback from Skelly and the crowd.
When residents were given a chance to ask questions at the meeting, several vented their frustrations about the financial toll more fees will take on their businesses and personal finances.
Many shared that they would like the city to leave them alone, instead of offering rebates.
Skelly referenced the Hamilton Vacant Unit Tax, which was struck down last November, after the city hired around 30 staff members to implement it.
“Can you imagine the amount of bureaucracy needed to do what you’re proposing?” Skelly said.
“Just leave it the way it is and leave our agricultural sector out of it.”
