Ontario government supports farmers with stormwater fee exemption for agricultural lands

Guelph, ON – April 22, 2026 – Grain Farmers of Ontario welcomes the Ontario government’s decision to exempt eligible agricultural lands from municipal stormwater fees, a move that will provide meaningful financial relief to farmers across the province.

The regulatory changes, made under the Municipal Act, 2001 and the City of Toronto Act, 2006, ensure that properties classified as farmland by the Municipal Property Assessment Corporation (MPAC) will not be subject to stormwater fees, with some exceptions, such as residential and commercial portions of properties.

“This is a positive and important step forward for Ontario’s farmers,” says Jeff Harrison, chair, Grain Farmers of Ontario. “We appreciate the province’s leadership in recognizing the unique nature of agricultural land and the disproportionate impact these fees could have had on farm businesses.”

Grain Farmers of Ontario has long advocated for a province-wide exemption for stormwater fees on agricultural lands, actively participating in consultations and engaging with government to highlight the potential financial burden of these fees could have on farmers.

Unlike urban properties, farmland naturally absorbs and manages water through soil and crop systems, making traditional stormwater fee models ill-suited to agricultural operations.

The exemption will help maintain the competitiveness of Ontario agriculture while supporting farmers in their role as stewards of the land.

Grain Farmers of Ontario thanks the provincial government for listening to farmers and acting on this issue.

Contact:

Susan Blundell, Director, Communications – 226-820-6641; sblundell@gfo.ca