Engineering Reference Library
Concise reference articles on municipal servicing, stormwater, grading and development engineering in Ontario.
Why Can’t Rainwater Normally Be Sent to the Sanitary Sewer?
Sanitary sewers are intended for wastewater, while rainfall can add large, rapid flows that consume capacity and increase overflow risk.
What Is Low Impact Development?
Low impact development uses distributed practices to manage rainfall close to where it falls.
What Is the Difference Between Drainage and Stormwater Management?
Drainage directs water safely through a site; stormwater management controls the rate, volume, quality and balance of runoff.
When Is a Stormwater Management Report Required?
A stormwater management report is usually required when development changes runoff or must demonstrate compliance with site-specific criteria.
Why Engineering Should Start Before the Site Plan Is Finalized
Early civil engineering identifies grade, drainage and servicing constraints while the site layout can still respond to them.
Common Reasons Servicing Reports Are Returned
Servicing reports are often returned because assumptions are unsupported, plans conflict or the required criteria are not clearly addressed.