The City of Toronto’s widely opposed new “rain tax” has been put on hold until 2027, just days before public talks on the tax were scheduled.

Meetings were scheduled for Apr. 8, 11, and 16 to provide Torontonians with information and gather feedback on what is officially called the stormwater charge, but these talks have been cancelled amid mounting pushback.

“Consultation has been paused to allow City staff to do further work to align the possible implementation of a stormwater charge and water service charge with the City’s broader climate resilience strategy, as well as the commercial parking levy being considered and the City’s long-term financial plan,” the City of Toronto wrote on its website.

The proposed charge is supposed to help maintain Toronto’s aging stormwater system.

The stormwater charge has been facing criticism on social media both nationally and internationally.