Introduction

There are considerable costs associated with stormwater management, particularly resulting from the growing need to address stormwater quality, as well as traditional concerns of stormwater volume. Both positive and negative incentives can provide sources of funding through fees and credits for good stormwater management and penalties for non-compliance with stormwater regulations and by-laws (described in Standards and Guidelines). While regulated and enforced standards can be effective, many stormwater management objectives can be met with less rigid strategies and a creative, more incentive-based approach to funding. In line with this shift in focus is a trend away from public works-managed stormwater structures to stormwater utility agencies that have broader responsibilities for watershed quality and corresponding budgets.