In March 2024, Canadian Water Network (CWN) convened the second meeting of the stormwater management Strategic Sharing Group. Eighteen leaders from 11 water utilities heard from the City of Calgary about its 2023 Stormwater Strategy.

Frank Frigo highlighted that the strategy rests on four pillars: fostering community resilience, ensuring proactive asset operation and maintenance, adopting low-impact and green stormwater management practices, and implementing stormwater performance measures. He also emphasized the ongoing engagement with internal and external stakeholders that is coupled with a commitment to actively educate the community.

The advantages of a tailored stormwater strategy

The group’s discussions underscored the advantages of crafting a dedicated stormwater strategy. Such an approach enables utilities to prioritize and allocate sufficient funding for stormwater programs and initiatives, which can help address emerging climate change impacts.

Preparing for varied climate scenarios

While certain regions brace for drought, others are focused on managing the impact of spring and summer storms. Stormwater management leaders are dedicated to evolving these practices within their communities.

CWN’s next steps

CWN’s stormwater management Strategic Sharing Group will reconvene in July 2024. During the meeting, utility leaders will explore solutions focusing on low-impact development, natural infrastructure and public-private partnerships during the implementation phase of stormwater management.

Join the conversation

CWN invites input on how municipalities and utilities are strategizing for stormwater management. Share your insights with Jessica Akande, program advisor at CWN, via email at [email protected].