Home Flood Prevention

The City of Burlington has implemented the Home Flood Protection Program to help homeowners reduce their risk of basement flooding and minimize damage if flooding occurs. The program offers homeowners up to 50 per cent of the cost of Home Flood Protection Assessments which aim to find potential ways that water/sewage can enter your home. These assessments are done by a trained third-party assessor and can be completed in-person or virtually based on homeowner preference.

Subsidized in-person assessments cost $285 + HST (Regular price: $570 + HST). Subsidized virtual assessments cost $240 + HST (Regular price: $480 + HST). 20 assessments are available each year.

• Register for the Home Flood Protection Program

Since the 2014 flood, the City of Burlington has offered a Plumbing Permit Fee Grant Program to provide residents with financial support for improvements done in homes to reduce the risk of basement flooding.

Between 2014 and 2024, the City of Burlington waived $567K in building permit fees.

The program covers the cost of a building permit for:

• The installation of a backwater valve,
• The installation of a sump pump, and
• The repair/replacement of a sanitary line (only with the installation of a backwater valve)

If multiple items of work are proposed (i.e. backwater valve, sump pump and repair/replacement of a sanitary line) only one building permit application form is required and the location and details of all work can be shown on the same floor plan.

Installation of a backwater valve

In order to apply for a permit to install a backwater valve the following documents must be provided:

1. A completed Building permit application form and Homeowner release form
2. A copy of the specifications for the backwater valve device to be installed, including backwater valve data sheets, and the make and model.
3. A copy of a floor plan or survey indicating the approximate location where the device will be installed.

The permit fee for a backwater valve will not be charged.

Installation of a sump pump

In order to apply for a permit to install a sump pump the following documents must be provided:

1. A completed Building permit application form and Homeowner release form
2. A copy of the specifications for the sump pump to be installed, including data sheets, and the make and model.
3. A copy of a floor plan or survey showing the location of the sump pump and where the water will be discharged on the site. (Engineering Services Department will review the proposed discharge location through a site visit).

The permit fee for a sump pump will not be charged.

Note: A sump pit and sump pump must be installed in the basement to collect water from the weeping tiles and remove/move it outside. A building permit is required for the installation of a sump pump.

Repair/replacement of a sanitary line with the installation of a backwater valve

In order to apply for a permit for repair/replacement of a sanitary line with the installation of a backwater valve, the following documents must be provided:

1. A completed Building permit application form and Homeowner release form
2. A copy of a floor plan or survey showing the details of the proposed construction specifying pipe material, length and size.
3. A copy of BMEC approval or CCMC/Minister’s Rulings for innovative materials.

The permit fee for a repair/replacement of a sanitary line will not be charged.

Halton Region's Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program offers financial support for residents who make improvements to prevent stormwater from entering the wastewater system and reduce the risk of flooding from sewer backup. The program makes it easier and more affordable for residents to make improvements.

Available subsidies include:

• Backwater valve installation
• Downspout disconnection
• Sewer lateral (pipe) lining and repair
• Weeping tile disconnection and sump pump installation
• Exterior storm drain disconnection

Read the Homeowner’s Guide to learn about eligibility requirements for Halton Region’s Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program.

Learn about the Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program

A Household Drainage Survey is an in-home assessment that helps homeowners understand how water drains around and away from their property. It provides information about:

• drainage conditions on your property
• the conditions of your wastewater pipes (also known as the wastewater lateral), both on private property and where it connects to the public system

Halton Region requires confirmation of any stormwater connections to the wastewater system to determine whether the work qualifies for a subsidy. This information can help identify issues that may increase the risk of basement flooding.

You may qualify for a Household Drainage Survey if your home:

• was built between the mid 1950s to the late 1970s; and
• has a previously reported history of basement flooding due to a wastewater surcharge; and
• is located in a Region-defined priority area.

If you would like to confirm if you are located within a region-defined priority area, confirm if you are eligible, and/or request a survey, please email Halton Region or call 311.

If you don’t qualify for a Household Drainage Survey, you will have to get a plumbing or drainage assessment from a licensed plumber. This cost qualifies as part of the existing rebate limits for eligible projects completed under the subsidy program.

• Learn about the Household Drainage Survey

Rainwater Conservation Fund

Most of our infrastructure has been designed to move water through our urban landscape as quickly as possible. As a result, creeks and other bodies of water are overwhelmed with the amount of water and suspended particulates during rainfall and snowmelt.

The Rainwater Conservation Fund supports urban landowner projects, greenhouse projects and nursery projects that divert and infiltrate rainwater into the ground on the landowner’s property. Landowners living in Aldershot, Brant Hills, Tyandaga and part of North Burlington are eligible to receive a grant of up to $7,500.

• Learn more about eligible projects, guidelines and application process.

Water Quality and Habitat Improvement Program

Most of the natural area in the watershed is owned and managed by private landowners, so the health of our communities and environment depends on their efforts.

The Water Quality and Habitat Improvement Program is a funding incentive program that supports landowners who are carrying out projects that contribute to water and habitat quality.

• Learn more about eligible projects and project types that are considered for this program