FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Prince George, B.C. – The City of Prince George is seeking feedback on two proposed programs to help property owners manage stormwater: a residential rebate program and a stormwater utility credit program for commercial, institutional, industrial, and multi-family properties with five or more units. The proposed programs would reduce strain on the City’s stormwater infrastructure by encouraging property owners to help manage stormwater on their property. Feedback will help shape recommendations to Council on the programs’ design and implementation.
Residential Rebate Program
The City is exploring a rebate program to help residents manage rainwater on their properties. Other municipalities across Canada have introduced rebate programs that encourage homeowners to reduce runoff on their properties through solutions like rain barrels or cisterns, rain gardens, bioswales, and permeable paving. The City is exploring what similar programs could look like in Prince George.
Residents can learn about early concepts and share their feedback online at Princegeorge.ca/stormwater
Stormwater Utility Credit Program
The proposed credit program could reduce eligible commercial, industrial, institutional, and multi-family properties’ stormwater utility fees by up to 50% through measures that reduce flooding, improve water quality or support stormwater education.
The City wants to understand whether the proposed program is practical for local organizations and what barriers could affect participation. Read through the proposed program, learn more about what this means for your or your organization’s property, and complete the online engagement survey by December 1, 2026. Your feedback will help shape recommendations to Council on the program’s design and implementation.
Background
Historical sprawling development in Prince George has resulted in a lot of infrastructure supporting a relatively small population. The average installation date for the storm sewers in use today was 1981. The City’s storm infrastructure is, on average, around 40 years old. That means some of the underground pipes are eroding and leaking. The replacement value of this infrastructure is approximately $779 million
After gathering resident feedback on options to start a stormwater fund in 2024, Council voted to proceed with a new utility fee. In October 2025, Council directed staff to return with options for a stormwater credit program. This fall’s engagement will help inform those recommendations.
Prince George City Council adopted Bylaw No. 9597, 2025 on February 2, 2026, establishing a standalone Stormwater Utility to provide dedicated funding for stormwater services.
Starting in 2027, the fee will be included on utility bills, rather than property taxes, using a phased approach to reach the full funding level needed to maintain the stormwater system.
The new fee is based on hard surface area, including buildings, driveways, and other impermeable surfaces that contribute to stormwater runoff. While residential properties will pay a standardized fee, institutional, commercial and industrial properties will pay fees based on the amount of hard surface area on their property. A fee calculator available on the City's website allows businesses to estimate their annual cost using their property's hard surface area.
Properties that are not in any way connected to any part of the stormwater system, or do not benefit from any part of the system, may be exempt as determined by the City. More information is available in Bylaw No. 9597, 2025.
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Media contact:
Claire Thwaites, manager, communications
Mobile: 778-349-5393
Email: media@princegeorge.ca