With an increasing number of storms and torrential rains hitting the cities in Canada each year, basement flooding is becoming a major concern for many homeowners. To address this problem, the City of Toronto has a plan to help these homeowners protect their basements from overflowing. The Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program is being introduced by the city to help people take preventative measures for basement flooding.
So, your basement is flooded. Now what?
The flooding of your basement is one of the most expensive issues you can deal with as a homeowner. The average cost is several thousand dollars for cleanup and recovery. Depending on the size of your home and the damage, it can typically surpass $10,000. Basements are the most susceptible area of your home to water damage, which is why maintenance in this area is key. A well-maintained hot water tank is crucial! Be sure to check for corrosion that may lead to leakage or bursting. If your home doesn’t already have one, consider installing a sump pump in your basement. It will help to prevent and control basement flooding by sucking water out of the sump basin and draining it away from your home.
Read our article to learn more about preventative steps you can take to prevent basement flooding.
Toronto Basement Flooding Subsidy Program
The introduction of the Toronto Basement Flooding Subsidy Program by the city to help people take measures to prevent flooding. Under this program, certain homeowners may be eligible for a subsidy of up to $3,400 per property to install flood protection devices in their basements.
Disconnecting the downspouts from your property’s eavestrough system is not eligible for a subsidy.
Eligible work that qualifies for the basement flooding protection subsidy includes:
- Backwater valve: A subsidy of up to 80% of the invoice cost. Up to a maximum of $1,250 to help offset the cost of installing a backwater valve. This subsidy is regardless of the number of devices installed at the property, including eligible labour, materials, and taxes.
- Sump pump: A subsidy of up to 80% of the invoice cost. Up to a maximum of $1,750 to help offset the cost of installing a sump pump. This subsidy is regardless of the number of devices installed at the property, including eligible labour, materials, and taxes.
- Foundation drain (weeping tile) pipe severance and capping: A subsidy of up to 80% of the invoice cost. Up to a maximum of $400. This includes eligible labour, materials, and taxes.
Who is eligible for the basement flooding protection subsidy?
Although the problem of basement flooding is common to most homes, the authorities have set some limitations on who is eligible for the Toronto Basement Flooding Subsidy Program.
To be eligible for the subsidy, the following conditions must be met:
- You have to be a registered owner of any of the types of properties above. This includes single-family, duplex, triplex, or four-plex residential homes.
- The subsidy is not available for homes that are still under construction or in the planning stage.
- The professional drain repair service that you choose for the work must be licensed by the City of Toronto for the specific kind of work they will do.
- You must not have any debts or taxes overdue with the City of Toronto.
- Installations must only be done by a licensed professional drain repair service who has authorization to carry out a full drain replacement. This also includes trenchless pipe repair, emergency drain repair, emergency drain cleaning, etc.
Once you submit your application, you will receive a submission confirmation email. It can take up to 10 weeks to receive the subsidy.
- You must disconnect the downspouts from your property’s eavestrough from the city’s sewer system. Or, you must apply to the city for an exemption.
- All front yard paved areas of your property, including parking pads, must comply with the city’s zoning by-law requirements.
- You must apply for the subsidy within one year of completion of the installation of the flood protection device.
- Original invoices from the licensed drain repair service that installed the flood prevention devices must be submitted with your application.
- Lastly, just finishing the application does not guarantee a subsidy. The subsidies will be provided on a first-come-first-serve basis, subject to annual funding approved by the City Council.
If you fulfill all of these criteria, you can consider installing the system on your property. But make sure that you offer the contract for the installation only to a licensed sewer or drain repair service to be eligible for the subsidy.
Click here to apply for the Toronto Basement Flooding Subsidy Program.
The Basics of Overland Water Coverage
In insurance terms, we refer to overland water when we talk about flooding basements. Overland water is fresh water that flows above ground. It enters your home through windows, doors, or other ground-level sources. Overland water can also make your house or apartment inaccessible and unliveable while it is flooded or being fixed. Historically in Canada, home insurance policies don’t cover loss or damage from overland flooding. However, because extreme weather events are becoming more frequent, many insurers are now providing policyholders with the option to purchase the overland flood endorsement.
Overland water coverage is an add-on to your policy that offers protection from external water sources. It finds entry through windows, doors, and cracks in your home’s foundation. Water damage coverage is usually broken down into three components for most insurers:
- Basic coverage. Offers protection for losses resulting from unforeseen events inside the home. This includes burst water pipes, overflowing bathtubs, and broken/leaky aquariums.
- Sewer backup and sump pump coverage. Offers protection for losses resulting from water back-up or sewage from drains leading to sewers.
- Overland water coverage. Offers protection for loss or damage concerning water entering a property from a sudden accumulation. This usually results from heavy rainfall, spring run-off, or overflow from lakes or rivers.
Overland water coverage costs
During heavy rain, Toronto sewers may overload. The city of Toronto lost nearly $9 million in 2017 due to flooding. The Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program can offer up to $3,400 per residence to offset the costs of these preventative measures. This coverage is based on the risk of overland water flooding in your area. If you’re in a low-risk area, it will cost less to add this coverage.
Furthermore, you can sometimes add overland protection at no cost if you have sewer backup protection. If you’re adding it on its own, you’re looking at $10-$30 (roughly) per month. You must already carry sewer backup coverage to be eligible to add overland water coverage. It’s important to note that it’s not a stand-alone coverage. If your basement is waterproofed, it may be even cheaper, depending on your home insurance provider.
Toronto’s Basement Flooding Subsidy Program: Conclusion
Read your policy carefully and consult with your isure broker about whether you should consider buying overland water coverage. You can purchase this type of coverage if you live in an area designated as a flood zone. If you have an all-risk or comprehensive policy, there is coverage for all water damage, except those your insurer will specifically mention. Even if you don’t live by a lake or river, your home can still experience overland water damage in various ways. Be sure to speak with an isure representative today to discuss protecting your home from overland water damage.
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