•  

    Rain Ready Hamilton is funded by the City of Hamilton and the program is administered by Green Venture, a local non-profit environmental organization.

  • Rebate Application

  • Supporting Documentation Needed

  • Before applying to the rebate program, please have the following documents ready for uploading and for filling in application questions:

    • Proposed site photos
    • Rain Ready Site Plan or design drawings
    • Professional Quotes or site plans (if applicable)

    Also, if applicable:

    • My Maintenance Calendar
    • Residential LID Monitoring Checklist
    • Letter of Permission, if you are a tenant.

    All of the documents listed here are available under the "Supporting Documents" section of the Rain Ready Hamilton webpage.

  • Program Requirements

    Please answer the following questions. Only applicants who have answered "yes" to all of the questions may proceed with the application. Thank you.
  • 1) Is your proposed project site within the City of Hamilton and on a residential property with 6 or fewer units?*
  • 2) Can you complete the project in 2026 with all reimbursement and feedback forms submitted correctly by October 31?*
  • 3) Are you the homeowner of the residence, or do you have written permission from the homeowner allowing you to carry out the project?*
  • 4) Did you attend at least one of Green Venture's educational sessions listed below?*
  • 5) Which of Green Venture's educational sessions did you attend?*

  • We're Sorry

    Since you were not able to confirm "yes" to our program requirements, you cannot complete a rebate application at this time.

  • Your Information

  • 9) Are you the legal homeowner?*
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  • Project and Site Details

  • Applicants can apply for two funding tiers: up to $1,500 and up to $5,000.

    These tiers are delineated based on the types of Low Impact Developments and their typical costs.

    Tier 1: up to $1,500

    • Rain gardens
    • Rainwater collection and storage systems
    • Bioswales and dry swales
    • Soakaway pits
    • Infiltration trenches
    • Enhanced Grass Swales
    • Perforated Pipe Systems
    • Projects that are at least 1 m x 3 m.

    Tier 2: up to $5,000

    • Permeable paving (driveways, sidewalks, paths and/or patios)
    • Green roofs
    • Downspout realignment in combination with other LID 
    • Comprehensive LID plans involving multiple features
  • 10) Which Rebate are you applying for?*
  • 11) What type of project are you planning? Select all that apply*

  • Please note: 

    If you are only applying for a permeable driveway (only), green roof, or a rainwater harvesting and storage system, your application will automatically skip ahead to the questions relevant to your selected project.

    For all other project types, the application questions will remain the same. If you are applying for multiple LID features for example, a rain garden and a rainwater harvesting and collection system, you will receive project-specific questions for each feature. This means there will be one section for the rain garden and a separate section for the rainwater harvesting and collection system.

     

  • 12) Is the proposed project at least 3 metres (10 feet) away from any home or buildings' foundation?*
  • 13) Is the proposed project at least 4 metres (13 feet) away from any home's septic systems, if applicable?*

  • A Note on Distance

    We do not recommend proceeding with your proposed project site location if you answered “NO” to these two questions, particularly for in-ground projects Rain Garden, Infiltration trench, bioswale, dryswale, enhanced grass swale etc. However, alternative solutions may be possible depending upon the project. Please contact Green Venture for consultation at rainready@greenventure.ca. For permeable driveways, Question 12 is exempt; however, Question 13 still applies and must be satisfied.

  • Reminder: Requesting utility locates is the law in Ontario.Ontario One Call is available for free for front yard projects. Locates for backyard projects are available from private companies.

  • 14) Have you experienced any flooding on this property in the past?*
  • 15) Can you confirm that your proposed project site is sloping AWAY from any home or foundation?*

  • Slope

    We do not recommend proceeding if slope conveys water towards a house or foundation of any building unless regrading is done as a part of the project. 
  • 16) Are you planning on disconnecting any downspouts?*
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  • These questions apply to the project(s) you selected above.

    This section includes application questions for the following projects: Rain Garden, Bioswale, perforated pipes, Dry Swale, Permeable Pavers, Patio, and Sidewalk.

  • Project Calculations and Design

    Our website and webinars have additional information to support you filling out this section.

  • 1) What is the soil type in the project area? Please refer to Instruction below to find your Soil Type (Infil. / Ribbon Test). Follow the instructions below to determine the soil type:

    1. Dig a hole ~30–40 cm  deep and 30 cm wide.
    2. Fill with water and allow it to drain fully. (Skip if recent rain or snow melt.)
    3. Refill and measure depth of water (A, cm).
    4. One hour later, measure the remaining water height (B, cm).

     

    Enter the measurements A and B below. The soil infiltration will be calculated automatically

  • Based on the value of Soil Infiltration choose your soil type below*
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  • 4) What is the slope of your proposed project site? 

     

    Follow the instructions to calculate slope:

    To calculate the slope, you will need a tape measure, a long string, two small posts, and a level.

    Steps:

    •  Find the highest and lowest point on your property and place a stake at each.
    • Stretch a string from the base of the highest stake to the lowest stake (use a level).
    • Measure:
      -  RUN = Distance between the two stakes (cm)
      - RISE = Height from the bottom of the low stake to where the bottom of the high stake aligns (cm)

                          

    Enter RUN and RISE below. The slope  will be calculated automatically and choose the category based on the given value. 

  • 5) Please select the slope category that best matches your site.*
  • 6) What is the proposed depth of your feature? This is applicable to projects proposing rain gardens, dry swales, bioswales, etc. Use the slope you measured in order to determine your recommended depth.*
  • Are you planning to undertake regrading as part of this project?

  • Please Note: If the slope is greater than 10%, regrading is required in order to proceed with this project. Please contact Green Venture at rainready@greenventure.ca to discuss this options before proceeding.

  • 7) How will water enter into your project feature? Please describe below and indicate on your proposed project drawings. question*
  • 8) How will water exit the project feature? Please describe below and indicate on your proposed project drawings.*

  • 9) What is the size of your catchment area (in sq metres)? 

    This is the portion of your roof that drains into the downspout feeding your proposed LID Features. You will have two option to measure the area of your catchment. Choose one method below and follow the instructions provided. 

     

    Note: Include the area of ALL impervious surfaces draining into the proposed project. 
     

  • How did you want to calculate the size of your catchment area?*

  •  Option 1: Using Google Earth

    Instructions:

    • Open Google Earth on your computer.
    • Search for your property address.
    • Click Measure from the left-hand panel.
    • Click along the edges of the roof area that drains to your downspout.
    • Double-click to finish and record the area shown.
    • Convert feet to metres if necessary 

     

  • Option 2: Physical Measurement Method

    Measure the roof area that drains into the downspout feeding your proposed Rain Garden.

    Instructions:

    Measure the length (m) of the roof section.
    Measure the width (m) of the roof section.
    Now Fill up the length and width below and area will be automatically calculated

  • 10) Based on your soil type, which percentage of the catchment area will you use to determine the area of your proposed project? Refer to your response in Question 1.*

  • Follow the instructions below to calculate your project area:

    Identify the correct percentage to use based on your soil type (from Questions 1 and 10):

    20% for sandy, loamy, or well-draining soils
    40% for clay or slower-draining soils
    Calculate your proposed project size:

    Multiply your contributing catchment area (Question 9) by the appropriate percentage.
    Example:

    Catchment area: 55.38 m²
    Soil type: sandy/loamy → use 20%
    Calculation: 55.38 × 0.20 = 11 m² (This is the recommended project size)
    Check your available installation space:
    Example yard space: 4.29 m × 5.35 m = 23 m²
    This indicates there is enough physical space to install a project sized at approximately 11 m².

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  • 16) Did you apply to receive funding for your project from any additional municipally run or conservation authority program?*

  • Notice of Collection

  • The City of Hamilton collects information under authority of Section 227 of the Municipal Act, 2001. Any personal information collected for Stormwater Incentive Program will be used to ensure eligibility for the Stormwater Incentive Program Rebates. By providing your email address, you are consenting to receiving emails from the City of Hamilton and/or their agents/contractors to verify the details of the incentive and ensure the garden or measure is in operational condition and effective. Information collected for this initiative may be stored on servers located in Canada and the United States and may be subject to Canadian and/or American laws. Questions about the collection of this personal information can be directed to the Superintendent, Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement, Public Works, Hamilton City Hall, 71 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y5, 905-546-2424 Ext – 1252, ext.1252, muhammad.mujtaba@hamilton.ca.

  • Driveway

    These questions apply to the project(s) you selected above.

  • Project Calculations and Design

    Our website and webinars have additional information to support you filling out this section.
  • Do you have a professional quote for this project from a licensed contractor?*
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  • We're Sorry 

    you are not eligible to proceed with this rebate application. Permeable driveways must be installed by a licensed contractor. DIY installations are not permitted for this project
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  • 4) Does runoff from the surrounding catchment area contribute to the driveway?*
  • 5) How will water exit the project feature? Please select the option that applies*

  • 6) What is the size of your catchment area (in sq metres)? 

    This is the portion of your roof that drains into the downspout feeding your proposed LID Features. You will have two option to measure the area of your catchment. Choose one method below and follow the instructions provided.
     

  • How did you want to calculate the size of your catchment area?*

  •  Option 1: Using Google Earth

    Instructions:

    • Open Google Earth on your computer.
    • Search for your property address.
    • Click Measure from the left-hand panel.
    • Click along the edges of the roof area that drains to your downspout.
    • Double-click to finish and record the area shown.
    • Convert feet to metres if necessary 

     

  • Option 2: Physical Measurement Method

    Measure the roof area that drains into the downspout feeding your proposed LID Features.

    Instructions:

    Measure the length (m) of the roof section.
    Measure the width (m) of the roof section.
    Now Fill up the length and width below and area will be automatically calculated

  •  7) What is your Ideal driveway Size ? 

    Please Enter the Length and Width of driveway below and area will be automatically calculated

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  • 10) Did you apply to receive funding for your project from any additional municipally run or conservation authority program?*

  • Notice of Collection

  • The City of Hamilton collects information under authority of Section 227 of the Municipal Act, 2001. Any personal information collected for Stormwater Incentive Program will be used to ensure eligibility for the Stormwater Incentive Program Rebates. By providing your email address, you are consenting to receiving emails from the City of Hamilton and/or their agents/contractors to verify the details of the incentive and ensure the garden or measure is in operational condition and effective. Information collected for this initiative may be stored on servers located in Canada and the United States and may be subject to Canadian and/or American laws. Questions about the collection of this personal information can be directed to the Superintendent, Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement, Public Works, Hamilton City Hall, 71 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y5, 905-546-2424 Ext – 1252, ext.1252, muhammad.mujtaba@hamilton.ca.

  • Green Roof

    These questions apply to the project(s) you selected above.
  • 1) Has a structural assessment been completed or will one be completed by a qualified professional (Engineer / Architect) confirming the roof can support the additional load of a Green Roof?*
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  • We're Sorry

    A structural assessment is mandatory for all green roof projects to ensure safety and regulatory compliance. Applications cannot proceed without confirmation of a completed or planned assessment.
  • 2) Has a professional quote been obtained, or will one be obtained, from a qualified contractor to move this green roof project forward?*
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  • We're Sorry

    A professional quote is required to proceed with a green roof application. Please obtain a quote from a qualified contractor before submitting.
  • 3) Where is the Green Roof being installed?*
  • 4) Is the building suitable for a Green Roof installation (e.g., flat or low-slope roof, accessible for construction and maintenance)?*
  • 5) What type of Green Roof are you proposing?*
  • 6) What vegetation type will be used? Select all that apply.*

  • Note: Only native plants used in green roof installations are eligible for funding. The Rain Ready Rebate Program will reimburse the cost of native plants only.

  • 7) Will any downspouts be directly connected to, redirected to, or receive overflow from the Green Roof?*
  • 8) How will excess stormwater drain from the Green Roof?*

  • 9) What portion of the roof area will be covered by the Green Roof (m²)?
    Please enter the roof dimensions below. The green roof area will be calculated automatically based on the width and length provided.

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  • 12) Did you apply to receive funding for this Green Roof from any additional municipally run or conservation authority program?*

  • Notice of Collection

  • The City of Hamilton collects information under authority of Section 227 of the Municipal Act, 2001. Any personal information collected for Stormwater Incentive Program will be used to ensure eligibility for the Stormwater Incentive Program Rebates. By providing your email address, you are consenting to receiving emails from the City of Hamilton and/or their agents/contractors to verify the details of the incentive and ensure the garden or measure is in operational condition and effective. Information collected for this initiative may be stored on servers located in Canada and the United States and may be subject to Canadian and/or American laws. Questions about the collection of this personal information can be directed to the Superintendent, Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement, Public Works, Hamilton City Hall, 71 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y5, 905-546-2424 Ext – 1252, ext.1252, muhammad.mujtaba@hamilton.ca.

  • Rain water storage and collection system

    These questions apply to the project(s) you selected above.
  • 1) What type of rainwater collection and storage system are you proposing?*
  • 2) How do you plan to install your rain water collection and storage system?*
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  • 5) Where will the rainwater collection system be installed?*
  • 6) Will roof downspouts be directly connected to the rainwater collection system?*

  •  8) What is the size of your catchment area (in sq metres)? 

    This is the portion of your roof that drains into the downspout feeding your proposed LID Features. You will have two option to measure the area of your catchment. Choose one method below and follow the instructions provided.
     

  • How did you want to calculate the size of your catchment area?*

  •  Option 1: Using Google Earth

    Instructions:

    • Open Google Earth on your computer.
    • Search for your property address.
    • Click Measure from the left-hand panel.
    • Click along the edges of the roof area that drains to your downspout.
    • Double-click to finish and record the area shown.
    • Convert feet to metres if necessary 

     

  • Option 2: Physical Measurement Method

    Measure the roof area that drains into the downspout feeding your proposed LID Features.

    Instructions:

    Measure the length (m) of the roof section.
    Measure the width (m) of the roof section.
    Now Fill up the length and width below and area will be automatically calculated

  • 9) How will overflow be managed once the storage system reaches capacity?*
  • 10) Will overflow be directed away from buildings and foundations to prevent ponding or seepage?*

  • Note

    Rainwater collection systems must discharge overflow away from foundations to prevent structural damage.
  • 11) How do you intend to use the collected rainwater?*
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  • 14) Did you apply to receive funding for this rain water collection and storage system  from any additional municipally run or conservation authority program?*

  • Notice of Collection

  • The City of Hamilton collects information under authority of Section 227 of the Municipal Act, 2001. Any personal information collected for Stormwater Incentive Program will be used to ensure eligibility for the Stormwater Incentive Program Rebates. By providing your email address, you are consenting to receiving emails from the City of Hamilton and/or their agents/contractors to verify the details of the incentive and ensure the garden or measure is in operational condition and effective. Information collected for this initiative may be stored on servers located in Canada and the United States and may be subject to Canadian and/or American laws. Questions about the collection of this personal information can be directed to the Superintendent, Environmental Monitoring and Enforcement, Public Works, Hamilton City Hall, 71 Main St W, Hamilton, ON L8P 4Y5, 905-546-2424 Ext – 1252, ext.1252, muhammad.mujtaba@hamilton.ca.

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