Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program Inquiry

[u/Live-Distribution805]

My basement flooded with 2–3 inches of water last night. I had to use a shop vac and manually dump the water into buckets at 3 AM… not ideal.

I’m looking into the subsidy for installing a backwater valve and sump pump (up to $3,500). Am I eligible? Is anyone eligible? Also, how does this differ from just installing a the backwater valve with a sump pump and disconnecting floor drains? I’m in the walkerville/downtown area.

[u/TakedownCan]

If the funding is still there everyone is eligible, call 311 or go on city website

[u/Front-Block956]

If the water is coming in from the property then you need a sump pump. If the water is coming in from a floor drain then you need a backwater valve. I’m not sure if others in your neighbourhood had issues with the floor drains backing up (nothing posted on the Walkerville FB page) so it may be your basement is taking in water elsewhere. That would make a sump pump ideal and would solve your roblem.

The backwater valve would control water coming in from an overflowing sanitary sewer when you flush a toilet or run water. A plumber installs it and then you have to maintain it to make sure it works.

First step would be to determine how the water got in and address the issue that way. Believe it or not, a lot of homes have issues with the foundations leaking causing flooded basements.

[u/IHateTheColourblind → u/Front-Block956]

Honestly, if you're going through the trouble of having the sump pump installed then you might as well get the backwater valve done at the same time.

[u/NorthernHusky2020]

We used Windsor Proof to waterproof our basement back in 2023; they installed a sump pit & pump and backwater valve. No issues getting the permit, work, inspection and rebate. Great people to work with.

[u/IHateTheColourblind]

I just went through this program late last year (back when it was only $2800) so the process is still fresh in my mind.

My understanding is that anyone can go through the program at any time even if you don't actively have a water problem. They want to encourage people to be proactive instead of reactive.

My advice is to get quotes from three different vendors (I was quoted by DC Basement, Dry-Rite, and Windsor Proof) before doing anything. When you're ready to proceed you apply for the program through MyWindsor. You need approval from the city before work begins.

You then arrange things with your vendor of choice (I used DC Basement and would recommend), pay any deposits and invoices out of pocket, and then submit your paid invoice to the city once work is complete.

The cheque arrived from the city a month or two after the work was complete.

[u/kbez1527]

How much are you guys generally paying out of pocket for these installations?

[u/IHateTheColourblind → u/kbez1527]

There are a lot of factors, but late last year I paid around $63 per linear foot for interior waterproofing plus $4200 for the sump pump and backwater valve.

[u/Front-Block956]

Check with your home insurance too! Some companies give a discount to have it done and/or they will pay part of the cost too depending on the insurance.