Foundation Drainage Discharge Policy

The City of Pickering has developed a draft Foundation Drainage Discharge Policy to help regulate both temporary and long-term foundation drainage discharge.

Foundation drainage refers to water that accumulates around the foundation of a building or structure as a result of groundwater or infiltrated stormwater. This Policy will help preserve capacity and water quality within the City's drainage systems and support future development growth by managing foundation drainage on-site rather than discharging it to the City's drainage systems.

About the Policy

The Policy will apply to both new development and major redevelopment applications that include underground structures and are subject to site plan approval.

The purpose of the Policy is to:

• Establish clear requirements for the management of Permanent Foundation Drainage associated with mid-rise and high-rise developments
• Protect the capacity and long-term functionality of the City Storm Drainage System by ensuring that only stormwater is directed to municipal infrastructure
• Promote safe, sustainable, and resilient building practices through the use of structural waterproofing, on-site water management systems, and responsible drainage design
• Provide a consistent and transparent regulatory framework for reviewing and approving foundation drainage designs for new developments
• Provide guidance for retrofit or remedial works where existing permanent foundation drainage has created operational or capacity concerns for the City Storm Drainage System

View the draft Foundation Drainage Discharge Policy here.

Get Involved - Provide Feedback

Prior to formal Policy endorsement, the City is inviting stakeholders to provide technical feedback. Submit your feedback here.