Municipal Works Frequently Asked Questions

No. Homeowners have the right to use and enjoy the lands within the easement, as long as the enjoyment does not interfere with the rights of the City for the easement. Homeowners may not, without the prior written consent of the City, build or place any buildings, structures, fence foundations, pavement or other obstructions of any nature whatsoever that would prevent the City from any of its rights according to the purposes of the easement. If any obstructions have already been placed within an easement of the City, we may access and remove any obstructions and shall not be responsible for any damages to the homeowner property within the easement, when necessary for the City to do so.Categories: Easements, Municipal Works

It is not recommended. The ditches along backyards are swales, constructed for the purposes of overland drainage of properties towards catch basins. If they are filled, or impeded in any way, it may cause flooding of neighbouring properties upstream. The Common Law can be referred to in these instances where private property disputes arise as a result of one neighbour blocking or no longer willing to accept the drainage of another. The filling-in of swales or ditches within subdivisions, may subject you to required permits form the City.Categories: Ditches and Swales, Municipal Works

No. The City does not hold surveys of individual lots on file, however we can provide you with a copy of the Plan of Subdivision which would show general dimensions and distances of the lots within the subdivision. We can not provide a location of the property bars for your lot. This service must be solicited by a private licensed Ontario Land Surveyor's firm.

No. The City will not recommend one plumber over another. It is up to the homeowner to hire the plumber at their sole discretion and take it upon themselves to confirm that the plumber they hired is a licensed professional.Categories: Municipal Works

Please check the Niagara Region's website for updated statistical information of confirmed cases of West Nile Virus.  www.niagararegion.ca 

The Public Health Agency of Canada reports that most Canadians who have been bitten by an infected mosquito have developed some antibodies to West Nile virus. However, their ability to fight off the virus depends on their overall health, and the ability to fight off the disease does decrease with age.Categories: Municipal Works, West Nile

Pre-Construction Inspection This is carried out by City staff. It includes the area of the City's right-of-way only. The City inspector takes photos/video of areas in the City's right-of-way that may be disturbed during construction. These are kept for our records and are to be used during reinstatement. Pre-Condition Survey This is conducted by an outside organization which the contractor hires. The City will send homeowners a notice of construction along with an attached letter from the outside organization performing the pre-condition survey. This is so the homeowner is aware of the company performing the pre-condition surveys. It is up to the homeowner to contact this organization to set up an appointment. A representative will then come to your home and take photos/videos of the inside and outside of your property and note any existing issues. Taking part in the pre-condition survey is voluntary but it is very helpful should there be any damage to your house during construction.

No.  Sewer clean out services are not free.  Our fees vary and are posted on the  Sewer Lateral page.

However, at our discretion, the City may provide one (1) free video inspection of your private sewer lateral during regular hours (as posted on the Environmental Services page).  These inspections use a scope and are performed on an as-requested basis.  They may be postponed when staff are required to address higher priority situations (e.g. flooding and sewer lateral blockages).  

If you're simply looking to reduce the risk of sewer backups, we've posted an Avoiding Sewer backups pamphlet.  You can also learn more about avoiding the common sources of sewer blockages.

 To request any service, please contact our Service Centre directly at 905-356-1355 (available 24/7).  For non-emergencies only, you can also email us at [email protected].

No.  The City does not sell water filtration equipment and is not associated with any water filtration vendors, including door-to-door salespeople.  

Ontario has banned door-to-door sales of water filters, making this activity illegal (as of March 1, 2018). Visit the Ontario News Release to read more about the ban and to see the list of other items this law applies to. Those with concerns can contact the Niagara Regional Police at 905-688-4111.

Recent concerns brought to our attention claim door to door salespeople are selling water filtration equipment or requesting an inspection of your water lines indicating they are working in conjunction with the City of Niagara Falls or the Province of Ontario. 

They are also requesting personal information on your utility accounts.  You are not required to provide access or information to anyone.

Be advised the City has no association with the group, and does not support or sell water filtration equipment. If a City employee is required to enter your household, they will provide proper identification and will be driving in a vehicle clearly marked as The City of Niagara Falls.

You are not required to provide access or information to anyone.

Only City employees will be dressed in City uniforms, provide proper identification and drive clearly marked City vehicles.  

If you have any concerns about City work, please contact Environmental Services at 905-356-7521 ext. 6322.

For more information on our Water System, click here.

There have been relatively few problems with the meters. In fact, the meters in homes probably under read by 3%. This is an allowable standard and is factored in when setting rates for water consumption.Categories: Municipal Works, Water Meter

Go to the toilet tank and listen for running water. Place some food dye in the tank at the back of the toilet bowl and if the colouring makes it way into the bowl, providing no one used the toilet, then the toilet is leaking water. For more details view this brochure.Categories: Municipal Works, Water Meter

Roof drainage can add a significant amount of water to a property. It is recommenced to direct all down spouts to the front yard, a sufficient distance away from the building foundation in order for the roof flows to drain out to the road way.Sump Pumps, which remove foundation drainage, sometimes are pumped outside to ground level. In this case it is again recommended for them to be discharged to the front yards, a sufficient distance away from the building foundation.If you are experiencing drainage issues in relation to a neighbouring property, approach your neighbour and inform them of the problem. It may help to inform them that there is a problem that they may not know about.Categories: Drainage, Municipal Works, Rear Yard Drainage

Try to pile snow on the right side of your driveway (when facing the road) if possible when shovelling. This helps reduce the amount of snow created by the snow plow at the end of your driveway.Snow plows have no place to push the snow except to the curb or shoulder of the road. Sometimes this happens just after you have finished shovelling. We appreciate that this can be frustrating however, we ask your cooperation in clearing the snow without placing it on the roadway. It is illegal to push snow from your property onto the street. If you hire a private contractor to clear your driveway, make sure the contractor does not push snow into the travelled portion of the roadway, or fill in the sidewalks.

The easiest way to determine if there is a leak is to make sure all the taps are turned off in the house and that there is no water being used (including humidifiers, air conditioners and ice machine).Go to your water meter and if the red triangle located on the top of the meter is moving then there is a leak somewhere in the plumbing. This brochure will assist you.Categories: Municipal Works, Water Meter

Graffiti and other types of vandalism found on City property should be reported to our Municipal Service Centre.  You can call or email our staff 24/7 at (905) 356-1355 or [email protected].  

If the vandalized property belongs to another agency (e.g. a utility company,  the Niagara Parks Commission or MTO), the matter should be referred to the property owner.

Graffiti on private property may be referred to Property Standards By-Law 2015-101, section 2.7.7, which states:

Exterior walls and their components shall be repaired of vandalism or other damage, including defacements by paint, inscriptions or other markings as well as broken windows.

CITY TREES

If the tree is on City property (including the boulevard in front of your house) please call the Municipal Service Centre at 905-356-1355.  Our phone lines are operated 24 hours a day, seven days a week, including holidays.

PRIVATE TREES

If the tree is on private property (your front or back yard, school yards, etc.), you should contact the utility company directly.  They will need the address or approximate location of the tree (e.g. nearest intersection or landmark), and your contact information.

 Hydro One  1-800-434-1235

If you notice a tree that's interfering with our power lines, please call our hotline at 1-800-434-1235. Contact us if the tree poses a potential threat to human safety or meets any of these hazardous conditions: 

• If the tree or branches are smoking, sparking or burning on a hydro line.
• The tree is an immediate hazard to the line (split, leaning, hanging over, uprooted).
• The tree is leaning on a hydro pole.
• Do not attempt to prune or chop down a tree near lines yourself; a tree falling onto a power line could cause serious injury or death.

Bell/Cogeco 1-844-225-5550 (24/7) 

Telephone/Cable wires are easily confused with hydro wires.  Branches touching the wires are not a hazard, but if the insulation is also broken or damaged, service could be disrupted.

NPEI (7447 Pin Oak Drive, Niagara Falls) 905-356-2681

NEVER trim limbs or cut trees in or around power lines. Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc will be happy to connect you with a qualified, insured professional.

The City of Niagara Falls Risk Management team investigates and responds to claims made against the City. Please click here to be re-directed to the claims process webpage.

You may have a leak in your plumbing or a running toilet. Certain activities like doing many loads of laundry contribute inordinately to consumption rates.Categories: Municipal Works, Water Meter

Within the condominium property, if a street light is out or cycling or a pole is in need of repair this is the responsibility of the condo corporation.  Please contact your condo property manager or person responsible for handling property maintenance.

Yes. Current construction techniques involve the cross-fall for the sidewalk. In other words, water is encouraged to gently run off the sidewalk surface to prevent the accumulation of water and ice could pose a slipping hazard. Generally this water is directed toward the side lot line where a gentle swale could be present. It is not uncommon for soil to have settled and/or consolidated over the years so it no longer conveys storm flows to the road. It is often thought that these trace amounts of water will cause flooding of adjacent lands. Many times both sides of a property line are in need of regrading.Categories: Drainage, Municipal Works, Sidewalk Drainage

No. Flooding out a neighbour in this manner is a civil issue. Try talking to your neighbour to discuss alternative drainage options. Make notes and take pictures of the damages and make insurance claims if necessary. The City has no obligation morally or financially to rectify these types of civil matters.Categories: Ditches and Swales, Municipal Works

No. The City of Niagara Falls does not have a By-law which would restrict a residential lot owner from re-grading their yards. However, if it is required, the City may provide technical assistance in order for a homeowner to deal with a current or potential grading issue.Categories: Drainage, Municipal Works, Rear Yard Drainage

For damage to your property, home or vehicle due to construction please refer to the claims section of the City's web site.
PLEASE NOTE, THE CITY DOES NOT ENTERTAIN LOSS OF BUSINESS CLAIMS DUE TO CONSTRUCTION WORK.

Potholes are caused by the expansion and contraction of ground water that enters the ground under the pavement. Fluctuating temperatures in the winter season can create a perfect scenario for potholes.  When water freezes, it expands. When the ice melts, the pavement contracts and leaves gaps or voids in the surface under the pavement, where it weakens and cracks; causing potholes to form.

Residents and motorists are encouraged to report potholes they find on City streets through a quick online form, located at www.niagarafalls.ca. The form allows people to provide information to staff, such as the closest street address, intersection and description of the pothole. You may also contact the Municipal Service Centre at 905-356-1355.

City roads are routinely patrolled by Municipal Works staff. Potholes are repaired in accordance with legislated Provincial Maintenance Standards (timing of repair determined by the class of roadway, depth/size of pothole).

Here are some points to consider when dealing with trees on adjacent private property:

1.       Whoever owns the tree is responsible for maintenance of the tree;

2.       You cannot trespass onto your neighbour's property;

3.       You cannot damage your neighbour's property (in this case a tree);  

4.       You have the right to maintain your property in a safe condition;

5.       In Ontario, a tree with a base growing on the boundary between two properties is common property between the owners of the two properties.  Therefore, if the tree has two owners both neighbours must agree to the maintenance of the tree.  These "boundary trees" are regulated by the Ontario Forestry Act Section 10 which makes it an offence to injure or destroy a tree growing on the boundary between adjoining lands without consent of the land owner.

It is therefore best for property owners to come to an agreement between themselves with respect to trees overhanging property lines. If they are unable to reach an agreement with their neighbour and want to determine their legal rights, they should contact a lawyer. The act of pruning trees on neighbouring private property affects private property rights and is a civil issue between private property owners.  Trimming overhanging branches of a tree belonging to someone else is not usually an issue between neighbours. However, if trimming overhanging branches without permission contributes to the death of the tree the owner may be entitled to bring legal action against the neighbour that caused the injury. This is why communication and agreement ahead of any work is important.  

The City has no jurisdiction with respect to such issues. It is recommended to discuss this matter with your neighbour and also ensure that all work is performed by a qualified expert.

Whether you own property or rent, live or work in the City of Niagara Falls, everyone has a role in rodent prevention. Rodent proofing your home and property is the most important factor to prevent and control these pests. 

Please visit the Rodent Prevention and Control webpage for more information on the Residential Rodent Control Rebate Program.

If you are experiencing rodents inside your home please contact Niagara Region Public Health at 905-356-1538 or visit  the Public Health webpage.

Visit Canada411.ca for local pest control services. View rodent prevention tips at the Government of Canada website.

Any sprinkler heads or piping on City property must be marked by the home owner prior to the start of construction. The Contractor will not be responsible for any sprinkler systems that have not be identified.

Construction activities will generate vibrations through homes and buildings. Please ensure you have had the pre-construction survey completed. This will make dealing with any damage that occurs due to construction much easier for the home owner and the City.Categories: Construction, Municipal Works

Unfortunately construction activities generate noise. Working hours will be kept from 7 AM to 6 PM while most people are at work. Saturday work may be necessary and the same work hours will be followed.Categories: Construction, Municipal Works

If you feel there is a lot of dust due to the construction, please mention this to the on site Inspector or call the Project Manager at (905) 356-7521 Ext 4211 or 4212. Please note, dust suppressant is usually put down at the end of the day.Categories: Construction, Municipal Works

It is a catch basin, installed for the purposes of collecting overland drainage from surrounding properties through swales. The catch basin, and the pipe connecting it to the sewer in the road are maintained by the City typically through an easement, however the swale maintenance is the responsibility of the individual home owner.

Please visit the website for the most up to date information regarding hours.Categories: Municipal Works, Park in the City, Recreation, Rzone

Use low flow shower nozzle. According to Environment Canada, a low flow showerhead can decrease one's consumption by 50% or more. Do not use the toilet to dispose of dry waste.Keep a daily log of how you are using water (i.e., lawn watering, car washing, how many times the toilet is used, how many showers are taken in a day and how much laundry is being done) and reduce the frequency if possible.Use a bucket with a sponge plus a trigger nozzle on the hose to wash your vehicle. Compared to running hose, you will save about 300 litres of water. Make sure you are doing a full load of laundry and the dishwasher is full when you use it.

There are two ways to lessen the risk of mosquito bites for you and your family:

1) Tips to protect yourself and your family from mosquito bites:

• When going outdoors use insect repellents that contain approved ingredients.
• Wear protective clothing such as long-sleeved shirts, long pants and a hat. Light coloured clothing is best because mosquitoes tend to be attracted to dark colours.
• Make sure that doors and window screens fit tightly and have no holes that may allow mosquitoes indoors.

2) Tips to eliminate mosquito breeding sites around your home:

• Regularly (twice a week) drain standing water from items like pool covers, saucers under flower pots, recycle bins, garbage cans, wheelbarrows, children's toys, etc.
• Remove old unused items from around your property (i.e. old tires) which have a tendency to collect water.
• Change the water in wading pools, bird baths, pet bowls and livestock watering tanks twice a week.
• Clean out eavestroughs regularly.
• If you have a pond, consider installing an aerator to keep the surface water moving which will make the water inhospitable for mosquito larvae.

By helping minimize and maintain potential breading grounds around your property that can hold standing water, you can help protect against the spread of WNV.

For general inquiries about West Nile Virus:

Call 905-688-8248, ext. 7590 or toll-free 1-888-505-6074, ext. 7590
(Mon-Fri, 8:30 a.m. - 4:30 p.m.)

www.niagararegion.ca 

Call 905-356-1355 ext 6200 immediately to report the location of the item.  For your safety and the safety of City staff DO NOT attempt to handle or place the item in a garbage bin/bag.  Trained City staff will attend and safely dispose of the item.

One cubic meter = 1,000 litres. 1,000 litres = 220 gallons. At 220 gallons per meter, 26 cubic meters = 5,720 gallons.Categories: Municipal Works, Water Meter

Ditches are typically natural narrow channels, or channels dug into earth, used for the conveyance of drainage or irrigation of land.Categories: Ditches and Swales, Municipal Works, Rear Yard Drainage

Swales, although similar to ditches, are low valley-like intersections between properties, usually more moist and having more growth of vegetation than ditches. They are also used for the conveyance and retention of drainage and irrigation of land, however are usually located along the rear yards of properties.

An easement grants certain rights for specific purposes to someone other than the owner of the property over all or a portion of the property. In the City's case, easements over properties are usually taken for maintenance of City services (catch basins, sewers, pipes, etc.) typically along the side property lines from the rear of the lots out to the street. Normal widths of City easements in this case are 3.0m (10') centred on the property lines, however in some cases for specific needs, the easements may be larger and in different locations.

The Niagara Region under the authority of the Medical Officer of Health conducts a program to control larval mosquitoes to prevent their development into carriers of the West Nile Virus. The Niagara Region determines where the high-risk areas are throughout the region. These areas include some storm drains and stormwater management ponds. The larvicide used is in the form of pellets which dissolve in water. This chemical is effective to kill mosquitoes in the early stages of their life. Storm drains are painted with a pink, white and blue dot to show it has been treated with larvicide. Exposure to this larvicide is not likely because the areas that are sprayed are inaccessible to the public. For more information visit the Niagara Region's website or call the Canadian Centre for Mosquito Management Inc. at 1-855-325-7035. The Canadian Centre for Mosquito Management focuses on the biological control of mosquitoes and the management of West Nile VirusCategories: Municipal Works, West Nile

West Nile Virus (WNV) is a virus transmitted to people mainly through the bite of an infected mosquito. Mosquitoes transmit the virus after becoming infected by feeding on the blood of birds which carry the virus. The mosquito then becomes capable of passing the virus to people and animals by biting them.It is estimated that fewer than 1% of mosquitoes in any given area are infected with West Nile virus and overall risk of being bitten by an infected mosquito is low. Although it is possible to be bitten by infected mosquitoes whenever West Nile virus is active, to date most human infections with West Nile virus have occurred during July and August, at a time when infection rates in mosquitoes have reached their peak.Categories: Municipal Works, West Nile

Unfortunately construction activities generate noise. Working hours will be kept from 7 AM to 6 PM while most people are at work. Saturday work may be necessary and the same work hours will be followed.Categories: Construction, Municipal Works

Bulk water cards may be purchased through the Water Department, located at our Municipal Service Centre (3200 Stanley Avenue).  For more information, call 905-356-1355 ext 6322.

Click here for Road Closure/Detour notices.Categories: Construction, Municipal Works

More specific information on West Nile Virus is available at the links below:

• Public Health Agency of Canada
• Niagara Region

It was first identified in the province of West Nile, Uganda in 1937. Since then it has been identified in Egypt, Asia, Israel, South Africa, parts of Europe and AustraliaCategories: Municipal Works, West Nile

The City does instruct the Contractor to monitor the construction zone and address any pot holes or other hazards. If you notice any pot holes or other hazards on the road in the construction zone, please bring this to the attention of the on site Inspector or call the Project Manager at (905) 356-7521 Ext. 4211 or 4212.Categories: Construction, Municipal Works

Trucks will need to access the construction zone via the surrounding streets. The City will, at times, direct the Contractor to keep truck traffic off of certain streets. However, it is usually up to the Contractor to determine the best route for their trucks. If this is an issue, please speak to the on site Inspector or call the Project Manager at (905) 356-7521 Ext 4211 or 4212.Categories: Construction, Municipal Works

Evidence shows that most people infected with the virus have no symptoms and do not get sick or have only mild symptoms. People with weaker immune systems and people with chronic diseases are at a greater risk for serious health effects. Symptoms usually appear 3-14 days after an infected mosquito bite.
In mild cases there may be flu-like symptoms including fever, headache and body aches. Some people may also develop a mild rash or swollen lymph glands.
For people with more severe illness, symptoms could include; headache, high fever, neck stiffness, disorientation, unconsciousness, tremors/convulsions, muscle weakness/paralysis. Anyone who has a sudden onset of these symptoms should seek immediate medical attention.
Any health questions regarding WNV should be directed to Niagara Region Public Health. The Niagara Falls Office can be reached at 905-356-1538.
Categories: Municipal Works, West Nile

Canada Post is responsible for clearing snow around community mailboxes located along a municipal sidewalk in the winter months, in order to maintain safe access for their customers and employees. However, Canada Post is not responsible for removing any litter surrounding the mailbox or landscape upkeep. Canada Post will ensure that paths to the community mailboxes are cleared after significant snowfalls as quickly as possible. Canada Post tries to avoid choosing sites where snow removal will be an issue and take into account local traffic patterns to try to find sites that will be convenient to residents. For more information on community mailboxes visit canadapost.ca

Swales and ditch maintenance are the responsibility of the individual home owner to ensure proper conveyance of drainage flows to a sufficient outlet as designed and accepted during subdivision development. Current and potential homeowners are encouraged to ask their real estate representatives and/or legal representatives for this information, especially when easements may exist on specific properties.Categories: Ditches and Swales, Municipal Works

The Regional Municipality is responsible for waste collection services. For any inquiries please call the waste management hotline at 905-356-4141 or visit the Niagara Region's Garbage, Recycling and Organics website.Categories: Garbage and Recycling, Municipal Works

Property owners own and are responsible for all of the water and sewer services and plumbing from property line all the way into their home.
This means that any leaks or pipe failures that occur on private property are the responsibility of the owner. This includes any failure of the inside water shut off valve before the water meter as well as any piping or connections to the water meter.
The water meter belongs to the City but is paid for by the property owner (through initial installation or building permit). It is the property owners responsibility to ensure the meter is kept in an appropriate environment that will not allow damage to occur to the meter, such as freezing temperatures. Damaged or frozen meters due to misuse are to be paid by the property owner.
The curb stop is at the property line and is the responsibility of the City unless it is damaged after the subdivision inspection.Categories: Municipal Works, Sewer Lateral, Water Meter

The City of Niagara Falls has many dual litter receptacles located at municipal facilities and throughout the city. The success of recycling is dependent on residents and visitors to properly dispose of waste and recycling. For example, the tourist core is congested with people from multiple nationalities visiting our city. Some visitors are aware of recycling and some are not. The challenge faced by the Region of Niagara (who oversees all waste collection services) is that should the recycling section of the litter bin become contaminated with garbage the entire contents of the recycling could then be considered garbage. It is for this reason that people should take care to dispose their items in the correct section of the receptacles. City staff attempt to empty the dual containers as frequently as possible to avoid cross contamination.Categories: Garbage and Recycling, Municipal Works

Typically, the contractor is required to provide at least 24 hours notice of watermain shutdowns.  Unfortunately, unforeseen circumstances may require shutdowns to be rescheduled to accommodate changing construction schedules.  The City's on-site inspector may be able to provide more information at the time.

During periods of heavy rainfall, the roadway drainage and storm sewer systems may not have sufficient capacity to drain the water as quickly as during normal rainfall. Please allow the system adequate time to clear. However, if you are aware of a blocked catch basin or culvert, please call the Municipal Service Centre at 905-356-1355 ext. 6200 to request a cleanout.Categories: Drainage, Municipal Works, Road Flooding

For the remainder of the year, City ditching crews will focus on finishing areas in progress and reaching as many new areas as possible.  Requests to revisit areas will be considered based on urgency as assessed by the City.  Ditching efforts in 2016 have been challenged by several factors including extended service areas and resource shortages.  Available resources continue to be employed to address these challenges as efficiently as possible.  We regret any inconvenience this may cause and thank you for your continued patience.  Requests for service can be directed to our Municipal Service Centre at 905-356-1355 ext 6200 or [email protected].

Typically, it is the contractor's responsibility to provide notification to residents and businesses at least 24 hours in advance, but unexpected shut-downs may occur when water services and mainlines are damaged and repairs cannot be made without shutting down the watermain.  As well, unforeseen circumstances may cause delays and require short-notice rescheduling of planned shut-downs.  The City's on-site inspector may also be able to provide more information at the time.

No. Private drainage matters are private. Engineering Services will offer advice on ways to solve private drainage matters, and the landowner can then decide whether or not they wish to proceed on their own with the work. The City will not initiate or finance the required work.Categories: Drainage, Municipal Works, Rear Yard Drainage

Landscaping restoration usually takes place at the end of a project. Any areas that have been disturbed by our construction activities, will be reinstated by the contractor. Any hedges or other plantings that interfere with construction, should be removed from the work area by the home owner prior to the start of construction.Categories: Construction, Municipal Works