Stormwater Credit and Recognition Programs

The Town of Newmarket offers a credit program for commercial and industrial property owners. The program is available to those who have implemented or who want to implement stormwater and/or pollution prevention Best Management Practices (BMP's) to reduce the impacts to the Town's Stormwater infrastructure by controlling the quantity and quality of stormwater leaving their property.

Purpose

The purpose of the Stormwater Credit Program is to encourage the use of stormwater management controls through the use of low impact development (LID). LID's include permeable paving, soak-away pits, infiltration trenches, rain gardens and rainwater harvesting.

Eligibility

Commercial and Industrial properties that are classified in the high runoff level group can apply for a stormwater credit towards their stormwater charge.

Property owners must demonstrate that all, or portions of their property drains to an eligible 'best management practice' (BMP)​ that meets specific evaluation criteria outlined below: ​

Please note that green space, grassed or landscaped areas on the property will not qualify for a credit unless:

1. These areas are treating stormwater from non-green space areas and meet the evaluation criteria for one of the credit categories or;
2. The green space area is more than 25% of the site's total parcel size and the space either contains trees, which contribute to the Town’s urban canopy or other significant natural heritage features. If the landowner has green space, which contains mostly sod, but agrees to plant trees in that area in order to contribute to the Town’s urban canopy, this would also qualify for the green space credit.

Stormwater charge calculation with credit program​

Depending on the evaluation criteria met, the portion of your property that has BMP’s will be charged either a low or medium class rate. Your stormwater credit will be calculated by combining the lower class rate for the area treated with a BMP along with the high runoff rate to the area that doesn’t have BMPs.

Types of credit

There are three types of credits for the stormwater charge that applicants can apply for: 

• New Credit

  A stormwater management credit for a newly installed BMP or existing BMP for which a credit does not currently exist.

• Credit Update
  • A stormwater management credit for an existing BMP where changes have been made or where additional BMP’s have been added since the previously approved credit.
  • If Credit approved BMP's are added, expanded, reduced or removed or in any way modified such that their level of performance relative to their approved credit amount has changed, credit holders must follow the Credit Update Application Process​. A Credit application must be submitted no later than three (3) months after any Material Change to the approved credit application.
• Credit Renewal
  • ​A stormwater management credit to renew the existing approved credit as part of the five-year renewal requirement. A bonus credit is available if applicants can demonstrate existing Stormwater Management Facilities (SWMF) that are being properly maintained.
  • The renewal application is focused on demonstrating that the installed BMP's are properly maintained and in a state of good repair. In order to receive the Credit on an ongoing basis, approved applicants must follow the Credit Renewal Application Process and BMP's will be subject to inspection by Town staff to ensure compliance.​

For more information on how to apply for a stormwater credit for commercial and industrial properties, visit our application process page​.

Please review the Stormwater Management Fees and Charges By-law 2016-67 for additional information and requirements.

The Town of Newmarket thanks residents for being environmentally conscious. To extend our appreciation, the Town is partnering with a community organization, (LEAF) Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests and the Regional Municipality of York to offer highly subsidized backyard tree plantings to Newmarket residents as part of the Stormwater Rebate Program.

Any Newmarket resident who would like a backyard tree can visit their website for more information. The Town will cover an additional $100 towards the purchase prices of one tree per property through this already subsidized Backyard Tree Planting Program.

​Why are trees important?

Trees have many benefits, including providing stormwater management services. On average, a tree reduces a property's stormwater runoff by 720 litres. A rain barrel can hold around 200 litres. Beyond stormwater management benefits, trees remove pollutants from the air, reduce residents' energy and water usage and beautify our community. Trees also intercept rainfall, decrease stormwater runoff and increase the ability for water to soak into the ground.

Consider planting a tree with LEAF and save an extra $100 on the purchase price. Every tree planted contributes to our urban forest while providing many environmental and health benefits.

This program has the potential to help our community plant more trees in the community and divert​ 36,000 litres from our stormwater management system.

Note that properties must meet LEAF's space and access requirements. Only 50 trees will be subsidized in 2026.

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Please contact LEAF directly to arrange for the planting of your new tree. 

• yourleaf.org
• info@yourleaf.org
• 1-888-453-6504