Rain Ready Ottawa is a City of Ottawa pilot program that encourages and supports residents to take action on their property to reduce the harmful impacts of rainwater runoff.
EnviroCentre has partnered with the City of Ottawa to manage and deliver a detailed assessment of rainwater management (water flow) on residential properties in priority watersheds. Homeowners will receive a customized report that outlines challenges, simple solutions and recommendations for more in-depth ways to manage rainwater on their property. Learn more about Rain Ready Ottawa here.
The Rain Ready Ottawa program is currently offering rebates for some recommended approaches based on these assessments.
Rain Ready Ottawa offers rebates for five practices:
- Downspout redirection (Up to $1,000)
- Rain garden installation (Up to $2,500)
- Soak-away pit installation (Up to $2,500)
- Permeable pavements (Up to $5,000)
- Fusion Landscape Professional designs ($500)
Home assessments take about one hour and are free for residents in the priority 1 area in Ottawa. To determine your eligibility please check this City of Ottawa tool.
2023 Assessment Update
We are preparing to schedule assessments for the 2023 season. However, due to the overwhelming interest in this program, we will not be able to provide Home Assessments to all those who hoped to receive one.
We will be reaching out in order of waitlist priority to everyone who indicated an interest in a Rain Ready Ottawa Home Assessment. Assessments will be booked until capacity is reached.
eLearning Opportunity
For residents who do not get one of the Home Assessment spots, Rain Ready Ottawa has launched a series of eLearning courses. The courses will provide a self-guided learning opportunity about rainwater management techniques that can be put into practice around the home.
The completion of the courses will allow residents in priority areas to become eligible for Rain Ready Ottawa rebates without the need for a Home Assessment or the use of a Fusion Landscape Professional
Four courses will be offered:
- Stormwater introduction and program overview
- Downspout redirection
- Rain garden installation
- Soakaway pits and trenches
You can sign up for the e-learning courses here. Course enrollment is free for all residents with an Ottawa address.
Questions or want to get in touch with EnviroCentre? Write to greencity@envirocentre.ca.