Municipal drains are critical pieces of rural infrastructure that help manage stormwater and protect farmland, roads, and properties from flooding. In the Municipality of Meaford, these drains are governed by the Ontario Drainage Act and are typically found in agricultural areas. 

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What is a Municipal Drain?

Municipal drains are typically located in agricultural or rural areas and are legally constructed drainage systems created through formal proceedings under the Ontario Drainage Act. These systems may include:

  • Open ditches

  • Enclosed pipes or tiles

  • Culverts

  • Bridges and other related structures

Municipal drains are not natural watercourses, though they may follow or connect to them. They are created to remove excess surface water from land, particularly agricultural land, and may serve multiple property owners.

Responsibilities Under the Drainage Act

Under the Ontario Drainage Act, municipalities are responsible for:

  • Maintaining and repairing existing municipal drains

  • Coordinating drainage petitions for new drains or improvements

  • Ensuring assessments and cost-sharing are conducted fairly

  • Communicating with landowners impacted by drainage projects

The Municipality of Meaford appoints a Drainage Superintendent to manage and coordinate these responsibilities and to ensure compliance with provincial legislation.

Maintenance and Repairs

Drain maintenance is critical to prevent flooding and waterlogging. Regular maintenance activities may include:

  • Clearing blockages

  • Removing sediment or debris

  • Repairing damaged sections

  • Vegetation control

When maintenance is required, costs are typically shared among the landowners within the drain's watershed area, as outlined in a prior engineer’s report. Each property’s share is based on how much it contributes to the drainage area.

Property owners are not permitted to perform maintenance or make changes to a municipal drain on their own. Unauthorized work may cause damage or legal complications.

Requesting Work on a Municipal Drain

If an existing municipal drain requires:

  • Maintenance (clearing blockages, removing debris, repairing infrastructure), or

  • Minor improvements, you may request work by contacting the Municipal Drainage Superintendent below.

If a drain needs to be improved, extended, or newly constructed, a petition must be filed under Section 4 or 78 of the Drainage Act. A petition requires support from affected landowners and must be submitted to the Municipal Clerk. Once accepted, the municipality will:

  1. Appoint an engineer

  2. Conduct a site assessment

  3. Prepare a report with recommendations and cost assessments

  4. Hold a public meeting to review the report with affected landowners

  5. Present the report to Council for decision

This process ensures fair cost-sharing and legal compliance for all affected parties.

Current Drainage Projects

The following municipal drain projects are in progress or under review through the Drainage Act process.

Paradise Bay and Bayshore Road 

Flooding and erosion in the Paradise Bay and Bayshore Road area led to a drainage petition under the Drainage Act. 

Mitchell Henry 

Initiated by a petition under the drainage act, this project addresses ponding and erosion in rural agricultural lands near 2nd Concession North. A 576 m closed drainage system is planned for construction in 2025. 

Forms and Resources

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