Ditches play an important role in managing drainage across our community. They are designed to collect and slow the flow of surface water during rainstorms and spring snowmelt, helping move water safely away from roads, properties, and low-lying areas toward downstream watercourses.
When functioning properly, ditches help reduce flooding, prevent erosion, protect infrastructure, and allow water to gradually filter into the ground. Residents may notice water temporarily ponding in ditches after heavy rain or during spring melt. In many cases, this is normal and part of how the ditch system is designed to work.
The City prioritizes ditch maintenance based on safety and drainage impacts. Immediate flooding hazards are addressed first, while less urgent concerns are added to maintenance lists and completed as resources allow.
In addition to routine maintenance, the City also has a Ditch Renewal Program for larger-scale work, such as rehabilitating roadside ditches, replacing culverts, and improving drainage through capital projects.
Ditch maintenance is shared between the City and property owners. The City identifies maintenance needs through service requests, inspections, and spring flooding response. Work may include clearing debris, managing vegetation, flushing or thawing culverts, and regrading ditches when needed. Residents are reminded that under the Use and Care of Roads (By-law No. 2003-498) | City of Ottawa, property owners are responsible for general maintenance associated with their property, which may include certain ditch-related tasks.
In rural subdivisions
The property owner is responsible for:
- Routine maintenance and flushing of culverts
- Removing debris
- Removing root infiltration from private trees
- Maintaining the boulevard such as grass, weeds and debris
- Replacing deteriorated or damaged culverts
The City of Ottawa is responsible for:
- Re-establishing the grade and slope to the original design to maintain positive drainage, as part of a larger maintenance program
- Flushing identified culverts in the larger maintenance program to remove silt and sand
In rural areas (not part of subdivision)
Due to safety concerns, rural roadside ditches that are not in subdivisions receive additional City maintenance.
Property owners are responsible for:
- Routine maintenance and flushing of private approach culvert
- Replacing deteriorated or damaged culverts
The City of Ottawa is responsible for:
- Flushing cross culverts
- Removing debris
- Re-establishing the grade and slope to its original design to maintain positive drainage, as part of a larger maintenance program
- Flushing culverts to remove silt and sand, as part of a larger maintenance program
- Cutting grass and weeds twice a year (spring and late summer)
Can I fill my ditch?
No. Ditches are part of the City’s drainage system and should not be filled in or altered without approval. Changing a ditch’s slope, location, appearance, or function can affect water flow and may cause flooding or drainage issues for your property or neighbouring properties.
Property owners who wish to alter a ditch must work with the City through one of the approved processes:
- Local Improvement Process: This is used when new infrastructure, such as stormwater pipes, is being requested where none currently exists. It requires support from at least three properties and at least 67% of the neighbourhood. The City covers the engineering study, while construction costs are shared by benefiting property owners.
- Planning Agreement: Some ditch alterations may be considered through the planning and development review process. Property owners must consult with the City, provide required engineering studies, and cover all related costs.
For more information, you may contact Development Agreement Process group by email at drengrural/epaingrural@ottawa.ca.
Who to contact if my ditch needs maintenance?
- Submit an online service request at Road, ditch and sidewalk maintenance | City of Ottawa
- Call 3-1-1 or 613-580-2400 (TTY: 613-580-2401)
- Email the ward office at Ward20@ottawa.ca