Homeowners are reminded that applications are now being accepted for the 2015 Basement Flood Protection Subsidy Program. The program was launched by the Province of Manitoba and the City of Winnipeg in 2011 to help homeowners protect their basements from flooding caused by overloaded sewers during severe weather (e.g., heavy rain, high river levels).
“I am pleased the City of Winnipeg can assist homeowners with the costs of installing backwater valves to improve home drainage systems again this year through the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program,” said Mayor Brian Bowman. “I thank the Manitoba Government for partnering with the City of Winnipeg to help Winnipeggers protect their homes against damage caused by sewer backup or drainage events from flooding or severe weather.”
The subsidy is 60 per cent of the invoiced cost, including eligible labour, materials, permit(s) and taxes, up to a maximum of:
- $1,000 for installing an in-line backwater valve only,
- $2,000 for installing a sump pit drainage system only,
- $3,000 for installing both an in-line backwater valve and a sump pit drainage system.
The subsidy is available on a first-come, first-serve basis to Winnipeg residents owning a home serviced by a City wastewater sewer who install one or both of these protective devices:
- an in-line backwater valve approved by the Manitoba Plumbing Code
- a sump pit drainage system that meets the requirements of the Winnipeg Building By-law and the Lot Grading By-law.
The subsidy is not available:
- to any homes that were required by Building or Plumbing Codes to have a backwater valve and/or sump pit drainage system installed at the time of construction,
- for backflow devices that are installed in the floor drain, or
- to homeowners that have outstanding amounts owing to the City of Winnipeg.
To be eligible for the subsidy, the applicant must:
- be the owner of a residential building (single-family home, duplex, multi-family home) serviced by a City wastewater sewer at the time of the eligible installation
- not have outstanding taxes or debts owed to the City of Winnipeg at the time the application is processed
- submit the application within one year of final inspection
- hire a plumber and electrician (if required) licensed by the City of Winnipeg
- ensure that appropriate permits are obtained prior to installation from the Planning, Property and Development Department, and arrange for the necessary inspection of the eligible installation
- drain water collected in the sump pit drainage system in compliance with the Lot Grading By-law
Full program details, including subsidy conditions, eligibility criteria and the application form, are available on the City’s website. [WINNIPEG.CA]
