Have you heard about the City of Toronto’s Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy? Are you currently thinking about fixing up your basement? Have you dealt with flooding in the past? Or, if you’ve been fortunate so far, did you know that all of Toronto is at risk of flooding?
Let’s talk about the risk of flooding in Toronto. It’s true. In general, all urban areas are at risk of flooding.
This is because cities everywhere were often formed (as Toronto was) around lakes, rivers and harbours. Add to this the fact that, as a city develops the ground gets covered in concrete, pavement and other materials. All of which will often prevent water from seeping into the soil. Which, in turn, contributes to overflowing storm sewers.
Then there is the other issue that leads to flooding. Mother Nature! Toronto is no stranger to challenging weather. Yearly we deal with conditions such as heavy rainfall, melting snow, and ice. Toronto has even experienced hurricanes.
Arguably, the most exteme weather this city faced was in 1954. That was the year that Hurricane Hazel paid us a visit. It was absolutely devastating, 81 people lost their lives and the damage to the city was extensive. Altogether, after everything was said and done the damage was estimated to be over $125 million. To give you a comparison, it is estimated that a storm of this magnitude today would cause nearly $1 billion worth of damage.
Hurricane Hazel 1954
Raymore Drive, near Scarlett Road and Lawrence Avenue West, showing the houses that were swept away by the waters. 
Bridge over the Don River on Bathurst Street, between Lawrence and Finch Avenues. 
Two houses from Raymore Drive and Gilhaven Avenue that collided, one of them demolished by the torrent of water. 
A home on Raymore Drive. 
Houses in Holland Marsh near Schomberg Creek.
We may not be entering hurricane season at the moment, but we are hitting the time of the year when typically the snow (that we are finally getting!) melts and the ground thaws out.
Keeping all of this in mind, it is important to understand that every home is at risk of basement flooding. Even those that have not flooded before. As such, I thought it would be timely to post about the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy offered by the City of Toronto.
So what is this subsidy?
The Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy is a program that the City is offering residents to help with the expense of installing flooding protection in their homes. Toronto residents that own a single-family, duplex or triplex residential home can apply for up to $3,400 per property to install flood protection devices.
The work eligible is specific and includes;
- installation of a backwater valve;
- installation of a sump pump; and
- foundation drain (weeping tile) pipe severance and capping.
Let’s take a closer look at each of these categories and what is eligible for reimbursement under the subsidy.
Backwater valves
Backwater valves are designed to close the sewer line during periods of heavy rain in order to prevent water from entering your home. All things considered, not a bad idea to have! The work the subsidy will cover includes;
- installation or replacement of a backwater valve;
- installation of an alarm for the valve.
The subsidy will cover up to 80% of the invoiced cost, up to a maximum of $1,250.
Sump pump
Sump pumps are used to pump water collected by the weeping tile system to an area outside. Another great way to protect your home! The work the subsidy is available for includes;
- replacement or installation of a sump pump;
- installation of an alarm for the sump pump;
- installation of back-up power for the sump pump.
The subsidy will cover up to 80% of the invoiced cost, up to a maximum of $1,750.
Foundation drain (weeping tile) pipe severance and capping
The work eligible for the subsidy is;
- Disconnection of foundation drains (weeping tiles) from the City’s sewer system by severing and capping the underground sewer connection.
The subsidy will cover up to 80% of the invoiced cost, up to a maximum of $400.
Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Conditions
Additionally, and perhaps not surprisingly, there are a few conditions you must meet in order to be eligible for the subsidy. The list includes the following;
- You must be the registered owner of the property.
- The property must not have exceeded the lifetime maximum subsidy amount for each eligible installation.
- The subsidy is available only to existing homes. It is not meant for homes that are under construction or yet to be built.
- The downspouts from the property’s eavestrough must be disconnected from the sewer system.
- All front yard paved areas of the property, including parking pads, must comply with the City’s Zoning By-law requirements.
- You must submit your application for the subsidy within one year of the work being completed.
- Your contractor must possess a valid license from the City of Toronto. Additionally, they must have had this at the time of the installation.
- Also, original invoices must be provided with your application.
- You must not have any outstanding taxes or debts owed to the City.
You can apply online or download the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program application form . If you would like more information, you can easily find it on the City’s website.
If you would like any further information on great ways to protect your property, let me know. I am always happy to help!