In the last ten years, the city of Windsor has been met with some challenging weather events, making us a city now prone to flooding. Our blog Which Residential Areas in Windsor are Commonly Hit by Flooding dives deeper into the areas of Windsor most at risk from increasingly frequent and severe weather events. In a pursuit to protect Windsor homeowners, in 2011 the City of Windsor developed the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program. You could be eligible to receive up to $2,800 to cover basement flooding prevention costs. We’ve put together the key information below as plainly as possible to help get you started. All necessary links will be at the bottom of the blog.
Eligibility and Requirements
Only existing residential dwellings are eligible, meaning single family homes, duplex homes, and freehold townhomes. The program covers the following:
- Backwater valve(s) – up to 100% cost ($1,000 max)
- Sump pump installation with sump pump overflow and disconnect floor drains – up to 100% cost (max $1,750)
- Sump pump overflow discharge outside to surface (applies to existing sump pumps) – up to 100% cost ($300 max)
- Installation of backwater valve and sump pump with sump pump overflow – up to 100% cost ($2,800 max)
- Disconnect foundation drains from floor drain and/or dye testing and camera work as required – up to 100% cost ($400 max)
The program does not cover the following:
- Replacement of an existing sump pump
- Sump pump upgrades
- Additions of another sump pump
- Installation of a backup sump pump
- Work performed for which a permit cannot be obtained
- Supply and install of electro-pneumatic backwater valve
- Replacement of backup valve (except cast iron would qualify)
There are a few things to be aware of. All eligible basement flooding protection work must be done by a contactor/licensed plumber or master plumber. They need to be able to present a license. If a backwater valve is installed by a contractor, a licensed plumber must verify its installation. Any work done by you, the homeowner, does not qualify for the subsidy. So, no DIYs on this one!
How to Apply
Step 1:
Submit your application online prior to any work starting at https://publicforms.citywindsor.ca/basementfloodingprotection/create
The City of Windsor does an initial screening to determine if the property is within the city of Windsor and if it qualifies for the program.
Step 2:
An Administrative Inspector will contact you to arrange a visit called a “Courtesy Inspection” to see what work is eligible for subsidy through the program. However, during the COVID-19 pandemic, this step is skipped! The have a “Fast-Track” option, where instead they require the contracted plumber to provide the following prior to obtaining a permit:
- Pre-construction photos of the area of work
- Completed Pre-condition Assessment Form
- Completed Declaration Form
Step 3:
Hire a plumber and get the work done. The city recommends not paying the plumber in full until the building permit has an approved final inspection, that way you aren’t paying twice for work that should have been done right the first time.
Step 4:
Once the Building/Plumbing Permit has an approved final inspection, you must remit the following information to get your cheque:
- Original or PDF invoice(s) showing a cost breakdown of all charges, with the total amount paid, clearly marked as “paid in full”
- Acknowledgement of responsibility and Liability Waiver document signed by the property owner. You can find that form at the bottom of this PDF webpage here: https://www.citywindsor.ca/residents/maintenanceandfieldservices/Sewers-/Documents/2020-BFPSP-Information%20Package.pdf
Step 5:
Treat yourself for all your work. Nice job!
Conclusion
These things may be tedious, but it is arguably more tedious to deal with basement flood damage. You could have up to $2,800 of basement flooding prevention costs covered for free by taking the time to apply and see it through.
We at Supreme Basement Solutions offer only the best advice, solutions, and products to our customers, because we treat every home like our own. If you want to speak to an expert about more details, we encourage you to chat with us. Shoot us an email at info@new.supremebasements.com, or call us at (519) 946-0363.
Useful links:
Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program PDF (This one is very useful):
https://www.citywindsor.ca/residents/maintenanceandfieldservices/Sewers-/Documents/2020-BFPSP-Information%20Package.pdf
Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program Online Application (Remember to do this first!):
https://publicforms.citywindsor.ca/basementfloodingprotection/create
Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program – City of Windsor Website
https://www.citywindsor.ca/residents/maintenanceandfieldservices/sewers-/pages/basement-flooding-protection-subsidy-program-(bfp).aspx