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Exterior Storm Drain Disconnection

Exterior Storm Drain Disconnection

What does an exterior storm drain do?

Exterior storm drains are typically a catch basin or an inlet grate that collects rainwater from surfaces like reverse-grade driveway, basement walk-out patios, and stairwells. They are designed to direct stormwater away from your home.

Other Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidies

A drain inset in a stone patio.
An example of a drain in an outdoor patio or outdoor basement walk-out stairwell.
A drain grate in front of a garage door.
An example of an inlet grate in a reverse-grade driveway.

Why is it important to disconnect the exterior storm drain from the wastewater system?

It is important that exterior storm drains on private property are not connected to the wastewater sewer system. Instead, they should be redirected to a sump pump or a gravity drainage feature that discharges rainwater outside the home and overland, away from the foundation. This helps reduce the risk of basement flooding during rain events and improves the overall performance of the Region’s wastewater sewer system.

When storm drains are improperly connected to the sanitary sewer, they can overload the system during rainfall, leading to backups and flooding. These connections are a major source of inflow and infiltration, which can strain infrastructure and increase treatment costs.

Financial support

Halton Region’s subsidy for the Exterior Storm Drain Disconnection subsidy covers 100% of costs incurred for materials and labour charged to disconnect the exterior storm drain, up to a maximum of $6,500.

Downspout disconnection

Downspout disconnection provides additional protection against basement flooding while reducing strain on your sump pump. For optimal performance of your sump pump, disconnecting your downspouts is encouraged. Please see our Downspout Disconnection subsidy for more details on how to qualify for this subsidy.

Eligibility criteria

  1. To be eligible for the subsidy, you must disconnect your exterior storm drain from the wastewater sewer to an Ontario Building Code-approved sump pump system or alternate gravity drainage feature, which is local by-law compliant.
     
  2. Disconnection of the weeping tiles/foundation drains is required.  Written confirmation is required from the contractor that the weeping tile is not connected to the sanitary sewer.

  3. All work related to the exterior storm drain disconnection must:
    • be undertaken by a contractor from Authorized Contractors List; and
    • have been completed after September 17, 2025—any work completed on or before September 17, 2025, is not eligible for this subsidy
  4. The residence where the work is undertaken must:
    • Be located in Halton region; and
    • be connected to the municipal wastewater system (not a septic system).

Limitations

  • This is a one-time subsidy per property. Homeowners who previously received this subsidy are not eligible to receive it a second time.
  • Review the Terms and Conditions in the subsidy application form before disconnecting your exterior storm drain from your wastewater lateral . 

Application requirements

  1. All work must be completed by a contractor from Authorized Contractors List. This requirement will not be waived under any circumstances.
  2. Application must include:
    1. A copy of the building permit required by, and obtained from your Local Municipality i.e., Town of Halton Hills, Town of Milton, Town of Oakville or City of Burlington.
    2. Proof that the building permit has passed final inspection by the applicable Local Municipal Building Inspector i.e. Town of Halton Hills, Town of Milton, Town of Oakville or City of Burlington.
    3. Itemized invoice showing paid in full, specifically listing all applicable materials and labour, and itemizing each component of repair/labour. This is especially important if you are applying for more than one subsidy. 

Invoice requirements

Invoice MUST include:

  • Details of work completed.
  • Itemized specific costs to determine eligible costs, such as CCTV videos, inspections and specifics about repair/installation (examples: spot repair, backwater valve installation and building permit).
  • Shows that the invoice is paid in full.

View example invoice (PDF file)

For more information about how you can get on the authorized contractors list, please contact basementfloodingsubsidy@halton.ca or call 311.

Disclaimer

The work completed by a contractor is based upon an agreement between the homeowner and contractor. The Region is not responsible for any damages, losses or misconduct performed by your chosen contractor. For more details, please reference the Regional Municipality of Halton Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program waiver form. It is recommended that homeowners obtain multiple quotes and request and follow up with the contractor’s references. Please note the Better Business Bureau is also available for homeowners to obtain reliability reports on contractors.

Apply to the program

  1. Download the Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program application form (PDF file) and the Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program waiver form (PDF file) .
  2. Submit completed Application Form and Waiver along with the required documentation, electronically. Ensure submission completeness by following the Check List included on the Application Form. Errors or omissions will delay approval of the subsidy.
  3. Scan and email your completed submission to basementfloodingsubsidy@halton.ca.
  4. Upload larger files, such as CCTV video, to our online Dropbox platform (external link).

For assistance with using Dropbox

Please see Dropbox instructions and example below:

Where Dropbox requests “Your Email”

Insert Applicant’s email address.

Where Dropbox requests “Subject”

Insert Applicant’s last name, followed by address.

Where Dropbox requests “Message”

Insert brief description of each file you are attaching such as "Invoice."

Where Dropbox requests “Password”

This is not a required field.   If you do create and include a password for your Dropbox account, please email the password to basementfloodingsubsidy@halton.ca to allow staff to view and process your submission.  Without the password, staff cannot view your Dropbox files.

Where Dropbox requests “Expire Date”

This is not a required field.  If you add an expiry date, it will prevent Halton staff from seeing the file past the expiry date.

Where Dropbox requests Recipient “Email”

Please insert the following email address: basementfloodingsubsidy@halton.ca

online form example (PDF file)

Additional options for subsidy submission include the following:

  • Mail to:
    Halton Region Public Works
    c/o Water and Wastewater Program Ambassador
    Woodlands Operations Centre
    1179 Bronte Road, Oakville, ON L6M 4G3
  • Drop off in person: 
    Place submission in the black mail box located in front of the sliding doors at the main entrance to Halton Regional Centre, located at 1151 Bronte Road, Oakville (GoogleMaps link) 

Note: Woodlands Operations Centre is currently closed to the public.

drop box location in front of HRC
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