Guide to Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program in Toronto

Did you know that the average cost of repairing a flooded basement is over $40,000, and that basement flooding protection measures can cost as little as 1% of that amount? In Toronto, subsidies of up to $3,400 are available to homeowners of single-family, duplex, triplex or fourplex residential homes to help offset this cost and protect their basements during heavy rains, rapid snow melts, and other flood threats. Here is a short guide to reducing the risk of basement flooding and how you can save on these important upgrades.

The Flooding Protection Subsidy Program

The City of Toronto offers subsidies to registered homeowners within the city’s limits, i.e., to people who pay property taxes to the City of Toronto on residential property. It is a first-come-first-served program, and all basement flooding protection work must be completed by a licensed contractor before applying. All the rules and conditions, as well as the application form, can be found on the city’s website.

What the Subsidy Program Covers

While there are a number of actions you can take to help prevent basement flooding, only the following two are eligible for a subsidy of up to 80% of invoiced costs only if your downspout is disconnected from the city’s sewer system and capped or you have applied for and received an exemption:

• Installing a backwater valve

This one-way valve is installed on the main sewer line and only allows water to flow out. Therefore, it prevents sewage from backing up into your basement when the city’s sewers are overwhelmed, especially during heavy rainfalls. 

• This is essential in flood-prone areas of the city.

• The maximum subsidy is $1,250.

• Installing a sump pump

This pump is installed in a home’s sump pit. As long as it has power, a sump pump will pump out excess groundwater or seepage to help prevent flooding.

• This is essential for homes below the water table or in areas with high groundwater levels.

• The maximum subsidy level is $1,750 for installing a sump pump.

Disconnecting Downspouts

By disconnecting your home’s foundation drainage from the City of Toronto’s storm sewer and capping the connection, you can prevent municipal stormwater from backing up into your home through the weeping tile during heavy rain. Instead, the water will be directed to the sump pit, where a sump pump can pump it out without overwhelming the city’s sewer system.

• This is recommended for all homes but especially those in areas with older infrastructure and for homeowners who wish to access the Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program.

• Subsidies of up to $400 are available for disconnecting downspouts from the city’s sewer system.

Basement Flooding Protection in Toronto

For quality basement flooding protection work in your Toronto home, contact the licensed contractors at Black Forest Plumbing. We are fully licensed and insured to install backwater valves and sump pumps and to sever and cap storm sewer or external weeping tile connections. Contact us to learn more about our qualified plumbers and cost-effective solutions for all your plumbing needs.