Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy
With increasingly frequent and severe weather events related to climate change, it is essential that residents take the appropriate action to reduce the risk of basement flooding on their own private property. On September 25, 2017, Council approved a Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program to provide residents with financial assistance.
The Town is offering residents a financial subsidy to install a backwater valve, sump pump overflow and/or have the foundation drains disconnected. The Town is also providing a downspout disconnection program free of charge.
Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program at a glance:
- The Maximum Eligible Subsidy Limit is $2,300 per Home/Unit:
- Downspout Disconnection: provide a downspout disconnection service to residents on the Amherstburg wastewater collection system free of charge.
- Foundation Drain Disconnection: provide a financial subsidy to residents on the Amherstburg wastewater collection system to disconnect foundation drains from the sanitary sewer, up to 50% of cost, to a maximum of $1000.
- Backwater Valve Installation: provide a financial subsidy to residents on the Amherstburg wastewater collection system to install backwater valve device on the internal sanitary plumbing system in existing homes, up to 100% of cost, to a maximum of $1000.
- Sump Pump Overflow: provide a financial subsidy to residents on the Amherstburg wastewater collection system to install a sump pump overflow to discharge outside to the surface (applies to existing sump pumps only), up to 100% of cost, to a maximum of $300.
- What this program does not cover:
- Replacement of existing sump pump
- Upgrade of existing sump pump
- Addition of another sump pump
- Installation of a sump pump when foundation drains are already separated from the floor drain (sanitary sewer).
- Work performed prior to August 28, 2017 or for which a permit cannot be obtained.
Application
Property Owner's must: Submit an application for the subsidy program. A Digital form just below or a paper copy can be picked up at the Amherstburg Public Works Department at 512 Sandwich St. South.
- Have a subsidy approval inspection.
- Once inspection is completed and application is approved, acquire two price quotes and submit them to Public Works. (Note: when hiring a contractor to perform the work please check the contract details to determine if price includes building permit fees. If contractor is not acquiring building permit, property owner must obtain building permit for work.)
- Hire contractor and arrange for building inspection prior to completion of work.
Please note that this application process applies to all aspects the program with the exception of the downspout disconnection service. To qualify for the free of charge downspout disconnection service simply phone the Public Works department at 519-736-3664.
Sewer Surcharging and Basement Flooding Information
To better understand the causes of basement flooding and to learn ways to protect your home, the Town has prepared a Sewer Surcharging and Basement Flooding Information brochure.
