Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program

Halton Region is now offering a one-time Basement Flood Prevention Subsidy, up to a maximum of $2,725.00, to assist :

> Halton residents who have a history of basement floods caused by a backup or surcharge of the sanitary sewer system.

> Halton residents who have not experienced flooding but would like to correct improper storm water connections and install a backwater valve.

• What does the subsidy cover?
• The Application Process: How do I apply?
• Terms & Conditions for Subsidy Funding
• Equipment
• Program Contact Information

What does the subsidy cover?

A one-time subsidy up to a maximum of $2,725.00 is available. Please see the table below for a breakdown of the maximum allowance.

* Homeowners will only quality for this subsidy if they have demonstrated they do not have any downspout or weeping tile/foundation drain connections to the sanitary sewer or coinciding with measures to eliminate these connections.

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The Application Process: How do I apply?

1. Contact the Basement Flood Prevention Subsidy Program Coordinator at 905-825-6000 ext. 7918 and arrange a time for a Regional Representative to conduct a Household Drainage Survey (HHDS) at your home.
    
2. During the survey , the Regional Representative will assess the general installation and characteristics of your home, advise what work would be eligible for subsidy funding and obtain proof of past flooding (contractor invoices, insurance statements etc.). The work eligible for subsidy will be summarized and left with the homeowner for the Contractor's use to help itemize the costs. A video inspection of the sanitary sewer lateral may be conducted.
    
3. Read the Terms & Conditions before beginning any work or submitting your application.
    
4. Complete and sign the (appropriate) application form and waiver.
    
   • Application Form ( 22KB) for residents who have experienced prior flooding .
   • Application Form ( 21KB) for residents who have NOT experienced prior flooding .
   • Waiver Form 16KB

   Provide the signed application and waiver form to the Regional Representative, at the time of the household drainage survey, or deliver by mail or in person to:
   
   The Regional Municipality of Halton
   Public Works & Engineering Services
   C/O Matt Stefanik, Program Coordinator
   1075 North Service Road West, Unit 27
   Oakville, Ontario L6M 2G2
   
   The Program Coordinator will confirm by telephone that the application and waiver forms have been received.
    

5. Apply to your Local Municipality for a permit to conduct the work.
    
6. Complete the work.
    
7. Once all the work is complete, arrange for inspection by your Local Municipality to ensure the work meets the Ontario Building Code requirements. A reimbursement will only be granted if the work meets the Ontario Building Code standards. Obtain documentation from your Local Municipality stating the work completed meets the standards.
    
8. Submit original invoices (copies will not be accepted), copies of the permit and inspection documentation to the Program Coordinator at:
   
   The Regional Municipality of Halton
   Public Works & Engineering Services
   C/O Matt Stefanik, Program Coordinator
   1075 North Service Road West, Unit 27
   Oakville, Ontario L6M 2G2
    
9. A cheque will be mailed to the Homeowner within 8 to 10 weeks.

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Terms & Conditions for Subsidy Funding

1. Work is defined as either:
   1. Disconnection of downspouts from the sanitary sewer system
   2. Disconnection of weeping tiles from the sanitary sewer system and installation of a sump pump system
   3. Installation of a backwater valve
2. Completed Work is defined as Work that is fully functional and acceptable under industry standard. Work is only deemed “Complete” upon meeting Ontario Building Code standards and passing of inspection by the Local Municipality.
3. Basement Flood is defined as a backup (surcharge) of the sanitary sewer system.
4. Regional Representative is defined as: a Regional employee, or a contractor or consultant hired by and representing the Region (for the purposes of evaluating and administrating claims or inquiries under the Basement Flood Prevention Subsidy Program.
5. All Work, and inspection of Work, is to be coordinated by the Homeowner.
6. If you are a homeowner applying for the subsidy and you have experienced prior basement flooding you must provide proof in the form of;
   1. An existing Regional record or report confirming the fact on file or;
   2. Proof provided by the homeowner (insurance statement, clean-up bill, etc.).
7. To qualify for subsidy funding  for the backwater valve portion, the homeowner must use a Mainline Fullport Backwater Valve, as this is currently the only backwater valve approved in the Province of Ontario for home installation on the main sanitary sewer lateral.
8. The Homeowner is responsible for the on-going operation and maintenance of all equipment installed as part of the work.
9. The Homeowner must sign the appropriate application form and the waiver form, releasing the Regional Municipality of Halton from any liability resulting from Work carried out as part of the Basement Flood Prevention Subsidy Program.
10. If plugged or blocked weeping tiles/foundation drains and/or private side sewer laterals are discovered upon excavation for disconnection, the Homeowner may choose to undertake remedial action; however the Region will not reimburse these costs.
11. Labour provided by the Homeowner, to reduce contractor costs, will not be eligible for reimbursement under the program.
12. Reimbursement will not be provided for replacing interior finishes, such as drywall, paint or flooring.
13. Reimbursement will not be provided for exterior restoration, such as landscaping, gardening, sod, trees, porches, decks, concrete or asphalt.
14. It is the responsibility of the homeowner or contractor to apply for and receive a permit from the Local Municipality.
15. The work recommended by the Regional Representative at the time of the Household Drainage Survey (HHDS) cannot be considered in any way a guarantee that basement flooding will never occur again.
16. Reimbursement for a backwater valve will not be released if the foundation drains/weeping tiles are not disconnected from the sanitary sewer system.
17. Reimbursement will occur upon the Work bring declared Complete
18. Distribution of funding is on a first come, first-served basis.  Funding is limited and will only be distributed while funds last.  Projects completed prior to contacting Halton Region will not be eligible for funding.