My neighbour's new driveway is sending all their water onto my property — what can I do in Ottawa?

Drainage disputes between neighbours are surprisingly common in Ottawa, especially after one property gets a new driveway or re-grading that changes the natural water flow. This can be both a legal and a practical problem.

Ottawa's Drainage Rules

Under Ontario's common law and the City of Ottawa's bylaws, you cannot alter the natural drainage pattern on your property in a way that increases water flow onto a neighbour's land. If your neighbour raised their driveway grade, removed a swale, or installed a surface that redirects runoff toward your property, they may be in violation. The City of Ottawa's Property Standards Bylaw (2013-416) addresses grading and drainage, and you can file a complaint with 311 if you believe a neighbouring property's changes are causing water damage to yours.

Document Everything First

Before any confrontation or complaint, gather evidence. Take photos and video during rain events and spring melt showing exactly where the water flows. Note dates and approximate volumes. If you can find photos from before their driveway was installed showing the previous drainage pattern, that strengthens your case. Many homeowners in Nepean, Gloucester, and other established neighbourhoods have dealt with this when a neighbour repaves and the contractor raises the grade without considering drainage impact.

Practical Solutions on Your Side

While pursuing the issue with your neighbour or the City, you can protect your own property:

A raised curb or berm along the shared property line redirects surface water back toward the offending property or along the boundary to the street. A small asphalt or concrete curb (15-20 cm high) along your driveway edge costs $500 to $1,500 and is very effective.

A swale or French drain along the property line intercepts subsurface and surface water and routes it to the street or a dry well. Installation runs $2,000 to $5,000 depending on length and soil conditions.

Re-grading your own driveway edge to create a subtle pitch away from the problem area is sometimes the simplest fix, costing $800 to $2,500.

Escalation Path

If a friendly conversation doesn't resolve it, your options in Ottawa include:

Prevention for Your Own Projects

When you install or replace your own driveway, make sure your contractor accounts for drainage impact on neighbouring properties. A professional grading plan avoids creating the same problem in reverse.

Connect with local grading and drainage professionals through Ottawa Driveways who can assess the situation and recommend the most cost-effective solution for your property.

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Looking for experienced contractors? The Ottawa Construction Network connects Ottawa homeowners with qualified professionals:

• 613Bins
• RenoMotion Inc.
• Renovo Construction
• The Fixer
• Driveway Sealing Ottawa