Toronto Mulling ‘Rain Tax’ for Commercial Sector as Part of Flood Response

Toronto city council has unanimously voted to review a variety of new flood prevention measures, which could include the introduction of a controversial “rain tax” for commercial property owners. City staff was authorized by council July 25 to explore stormwater mitigation measures in response to the growing number of severe weather occurrences in Toronto. A report is due by year’s end. Staff will also look into potentially implementing a stormwater fee for businesses that have large non-porous parking lots—a contributing factor to flooding, according to Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow. Critics, including Spadina-Fort York MP Kevin Vuong, have described the possible flood mitigation charges as a “rain tax.’’...