Basement flooding can happen anytime in Ontario. Snowmelt, spring rainfall, summer thunderstorms and ice jams can all cause flooding. Here in Toronto, flooding happens anytime of the year but the springtime can be problematic. This is because we have snowmelt, semi-frozen ground and spring showers all at the same time.
With this in mind, I thought it would be a good idea to post about a subsidy program that the City of Toronto offers. It’s called the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program. In a nutshell – it offers a subsidy of up to $3,400 per property to install flood protection devices.
If you are currently thinking about fixing up your basement or have dealt with flooding in the past, this may be a perfect program for you!
You may even want to do it if you’ve been fortunate so far and haven’t had any issues as all of Toronto is 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.
So what does the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program cover?
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. 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 Program Conditions
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 a single-family residential, duplex, triplex or fourplex property within the City of Toronto.
- The property must not have exceeded the lifetime maximum subsidy amount for each eligible installation.
- The subsidy is available only to existing homes, not homes in the planning stages or under construction
- The downspouts from the property’s eavestrough must be disconnected from the City’s sewer system or you must have applied to the City for an exemption.
- 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 within one year of completion of the installation of the flood protection device.
- Your contractor(s) and any sub-contractor(s) who performed the installation of flood prevention device(s) must possess a valid license from the City of Toronto for the installation work, at the time of installation.
- Original invoices from the licensed contractor(s) and any sub-contractor(s) who performed the installation of the flood prevention device(s) must be provided with your application.
- You must not have any outstanding taxes or debts owed to the City of Toronto at the time your application is processed.
- Submitting an application does not guarantee a subsidy. Subsidies are issued on a “first-come, first-serve” basis, and are subject to annual funding approved by City Council.
You can apply online, if you experience any technical issues with the online form, email basementflooding@toronto.ca
If you would like any further information on great ways to protect your property, let me know. I am always happy to help!