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Downspout Disconnection Program

Downspout Disconnection Program

About downspouts

Downspouts are the pipes connected to your eavestroughs that collect water from your roof and direct it to the ground or to a drain below ground. 

Connected downspouts are attached to your house and enter into the ground.

Disconnected downspouts are attached to your house and discharge to the lawn or other permeable surfaces at a suitable distance away from the outside wall.

Diagram animating the differences between a direct connection of the downspout and weeping tile to the sanitary serwer system increasing potential for basementflood and one discharging rainwater to the lawn or other surface. Weeping tile is disconnected in this example and a sump pump forces water away.

Related supports

Subsidies

Resources

Why it's important to disconnect downspouts

Downspouts that discharge into the ground and empty into the wastewater system (sanitary sewer) can directly contribute to basement flooding by overloading the wastewater system with rain water during heavy rainfall.  

It is important to ensure all downspouts discharge overland, a suitable distance from the house foundation. Disconnecting downspouts can significantly reduce the amount of rainwater that gets into the sewer system, which will reduce the risk of sewer backup and basement flooding.

Financial support

Halton Region’s Basement Flooding Prevention Program subsidy amounts were updated in September 2025. For work completed after July 15, 2024, Halton Region’s Downspout Disconnection Subsidy covers 100% of costs incurred for materials and invoiced contractor labour charged to disconnect downspouts, up to a maximum of $900.

For work completed prior to or on July 15, 2024, Halton Region’s Downspout Disconnection Subsidy covers 100% of costs incurred for materials and invoiced contractor labour charged to disconnect downspouts, up to a maximum of $500.

Eligibility criteria

To qualify for this subsidy, all of the following conditions must be met. The home where the work is completed must:

  • be located within Halton Region; and
  • be connected to Halton Region’s municipal wastewater (sewer) system (homes on septic systems are not eligible); and
  • applications must be submitted within one year after the work has been completed.

Halton Region requires proof that your downspouts are connected to the wastewater system before the work is completed. This proof must be provided from one of two sources:

  • a Household Drainage Survey, where eligible; or
  • a plumbing or drainage assessment completed by a licensed plumber or qualified drainage contractor.

Additional criterion: Disconnect roof downspouts from your private wastewater lateral or the Region’s wastewater system and redirect the water to ground surface.

  • Eligible where a connection to the wastewater system is confirmed
  • Extensions should discharge away from the foundation (for example, approximately 3 metres) and onto grading that slopes away from the home to reduce infiltration risk and be in compliance with the local municipal drainage by-laws.

Limitations

  • This subsidy is available once per property. Properties that have already received this subsidy are not eligible to receive it again, even if ownership has changed.
  • Review all program details before starting any work. This includes eligibility criteria, terms and conditions and application requirements.

Application requirements

Your application must include:

  • a completed and signed Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program application form (PDF file)
  • a completed and signed Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program waiver form (PDF file)
  • original receipt(s) or a copy of an itemized invoice, paid in full of the contractor performing the work, listing any materials and labour and identifying specifics of each component of work:
    • downspout disconnections
    • CCTV videos
    • dye test
  • confirmation that the downspouts were connected to the wastewater system before disconnection
  • contractor confirmation of a pre-existing connection between the downspouts and the wastewater system, demonstrated through Household Drainage Survey results, closed-circuit television (CCTV) footage, or dye test results 
  • provide before and after photos confirming that the downspout connection to the wastewater system was disconnected by the contractor or homeowner and in accordance with program requirements, along with a sketch of work completed

A permit is not required for downspout work.

Invoice requirements

Your invoice must be paid in full, itemized, and clearly show eligible costs. This includes details such as:

  • a description of the work completed
  • CCTV inspection or video inspection costs
  • plumbing assessment costs (if applicable)
  • permit and inspection fees (if applicable)

View example invoice (PDF file)

Apply to the program

  1. Download the Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program application form (PDF file) and the Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program waiver form (PDF file).
  2. Submit the 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).

A subsidy cheque will be mailed 4-6 weeks from the date we receive a completed application for an eligible project with all required documentation.

For assistance with using Dropbox

Please see our Dropbox example image (image file) or review the instructions 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 .

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 (Google Maps link) 

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

drop box location in front of HRC

Disclaimer

Successful completion of basement flooding mitigation work under the subsidy program depends on clear coordination between homeowners, contractors, Halton Region, and your Local Municipality. Each party has a specific role in making sure the work is done properly and meets all the necessary requirements.

Halton Region does not choose contractors, participate in contracts or resolve disputes between homeowners and contractors.

For more information:

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