TRACK 1, DAY 2
Building Awareness, Protecting Waterways: Lessons Learned from SWMF Outreach Program
Thursday, March 27, 2025 | 11:00 a.m. to 11:30 a.m. | Hall A
ABSTRACT
Stormwater management facilities, such as Oil Grit Separators and Filters play a critical role in mitigating polluted urban runoff and protecting water quality. However, their effectiveness and performance is enhanced when property owners understand their function, importance and conduct regular inspection and maintenance.
This presentation will explore the successes of the City of Brampton’s Stormwater Management Facility Outreach Program designed to educate and engage the public about maintaining their stormwater management facilities, with a particular focus on inspection, maintenance, and compliance with the Sewer Use Bylaw, and how it aligns with the City’s CLI ECA.
Background:
The Stormwater Management Facility Outreach Program was launched to raise awareness of the responsibility that property owners have for their private stormwater infrastructure.
Many industrial, commercial or institutional property owners were unaware of the infrastructure they have and the role it plays in water quality control. Through targeted outreach and engagement strategies, the program aimed to increase awareness, promote stewardship, encourage best practices for stormwater management and increase compliance with the Sewer Use Bylaw.
The program has evolved over the years since its conception in 2021 and along the way, lessons and best practices have been implemented to engage with property owners to foster long-term compliance, behavioural change and stormwater awareness.
Conclusion:
The session will share key findings from the outreach program, including successes and progress. Attendees will be able to take away practical strategies for engaging the public in stormwater management initiatives, insights into the challenges of translating technical concepts into accessible messages, and an understanding of how to apply these lessons to future outreach campaigns, particularly in the context of regulatory frameworks like the CLI ECA.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Jessica Punzal, City of Brampton
Jessica Punzal is the Stormwater Education and Outreach Associate at the City of Brampton, where she leads public engagement initiatives focused on building stormwater literacy and pollution prevention to promote a clean and healthy environment.
In her current role, Jessica supports the Stormwater Management Facility Outreach Program, working with property owners to ensure regular inspection and maintenance of private stormwater infrastructure to comply with the Sewer Use Bylaw. She also leads the ‘From Streets to Streams’ Catchbasin Art Project, which uses public art to bring attention to the city’s stormwater system. By collaborating with Brampton artists to create catchbasin murals, the project educates the community on how streets to connect to local waterways, inspiring pollution prevention and environmental action.
Jessica has a degree in Environment, Resource and Sustainability with a minor in Geography and Environmental Management from the University of Waterloo.
Previously, she worked with the Region of Peel as a Household Hazardous Waste Coordinator, educating residents and businesses on safe hazardous waste disposal to protect public health and the environment.
Through her educational background and professional experience, Jessica developed a passion for pollution prevention and waste management, and she continues to advocate for waste reduction and sustainable practices in her everyday life.
Kevin Thavarajah, City of Brampton
Kevin Thavarajah is the Manager of Stormwater Programs for the City of Brampton, where he leads initiatives to improve urban stormwater management through retrofit projects, operation and maintenance of stormwater infrastructure, and watercourse improvements.
With over 10 years of experience, Kevin is a PMP certified professional, leading stormwater infrastructure projects and capital planning initiatives. Kevin has dedicated his career to promoting environmentally responsible stormwater solutions. His recent work has centered on municipal efforts to develop asset management strategies to capture existing municipal stormwater and implement inspection and maintenance processes. He is also with promoting various Low Impact Development (LID) initiatives through capital projects.