The Bay of Quinte Remedial Action Plan calls rain gardens an inexpensive way to protect the Bay of Quinte and its surrounding streams, rivers, and lakes from pollutants carried by stormwater runoff and is offering a grant for residents who would like to establish one on their property.
BQRAP’s Sarah Midlane-Jones says urban residents around the Bay of Quinte can be part of the long-term solution to improving water quality by building a rain garden.
“It has a shallow sort of indent so it can absorb stormwater runoff from, from your property. Generally they’re placed in an area where you collect water from your roof, your driveway. Anywhere where water is gonna run over your property, you can direct it to your rain garden.”
As stormwater runs over pavement and rooftops, it picks up a variety of contaminents and transports them through storm drains and eventually into the Bay of Quinte.
These pollutants may include: pet waste, oil, gasoline, road salt, leaves, and litter.
“It’s cutting down on how much stormwater goes down the storm sewers which, again, goes out into the nearest water body. So it’s about cutting back on phosporous levels from urban sources.”
Midlane-Jones says if you live in an urban centre around the Bay of Quinte you could be eligible for a grant of up to $750 to establish a functioning rain garden.
“That covers the cost, like soil, mulch, compost, gravel, plants. Some people might need to rent a piece of equipment to dig the hole for them. And you need to live in an urban area around the Bay of Quinte so Belleville, Trenton, Picton, Napanee, Deseronto.”
Midlane-Jones stresses native plants should be used.
Other benefits of rain gardens:
- Providing habitat for wildlife, such as birds, butterflies, and bees
- Helping protect communities from flooding
- Increasing the amount of water entering the ground, which recharges aquifers
- Beautifying your yards and neighbourhood
Click here for more on BQRAP’s Urban Stewardship programs including its rain garden program and an application form.
