Flood Recovery Update – August 1, 2024
As of July 26, 1288 homes in Burlington have reported flooding to 311.
I understand supports are needed to help those who experienced flood damage on their property, and for those looking to take measures now to avoid or minimize the impacts of flooding in the future.
The City of Burlington is continuing to recover from the flooding and, alongside Halton Region, is offering support to residents who need it.
Here is an update on available recovery and prevention supports, as well as an update from the City regarding ongoing cleanup efforts:
Recovery Support
City and Regional Ex-Gratia Grants
Halton Region has announced a $1,000 Ex-Gratia Grant for Public Sewer Backup, which can help eligible residents to offset the cost of an insurance deductible or help with flooding-related costs that are not otherwise covered under their home insurance policy.
To be assessed for eligibility for the applicable grant, residents must report home flooding to Halton Region at 311. If this has not already been done, it must be done immediately.
The City of Burlington has announced an Ex-Gratia Grant, which will provide $1,000 to residents with confirmed residential flooding that are not eligible for the Halton Region Ex-Gratia Grant for Public Sewer Backup.
Enhanced Curbside Garage and Bulk Waste Collection
Halton Region began enhanced curbside garbage and bulk waste collection last week, and is continuing to follow up with property owners who reported in-home flooding about those arrangements.
Lifting of Timed Parking Restrictions
The City is helping flood impacted homeowners by lifting the timed parking restrictions for parking on residential streets until Aug. 31, 2024.
Prevention Support
The City of Burlington offers the following programs:
Home Flood Protection Program helps homeowners reduce their risk of basement flooding and minimize damage if flooding occurs. Eligible homeowners receive up to 50% of the cost of an in-person or remote assessment, with up to 20 subsidized assessments available each year.
Plumbing Permit Fee Grant Program covers the cost of a building permit for specific improvements done in homes or businesses to reduce the risk of basement flooding, including installation of backwater valves, disconnection of foundation drains from the sewer system, and the installation of sump pumps.
Halton Region offers an Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program, with the following subsidies:
Downspout Disconnection: 100% of all eligible costs to disconnect downspouts from the weeping tile, up to a maximum of $500.
Weeping Tile Disconnection and Sump Pump Installation: 100% of the combined eligible costs to disconnect weeping tiles and install a sump pump, up to a maximum of $5,000.
Backwater Valve Installation: 50% of the eligible costs to install a backwater valve inside the home, up to a maximum of $675.
Sewer Lateral (pipe) Lining and Repair: 50% of the eligible costs to repair or line the sewer lateral (pipe), up to a maximum of $2,000
Residents can visit halton.ca/flood, call 311, or email accesshalton@halton.ca to find program details and instructions on how to apply for a subsidy.
August 7 Special Council Meeting
A Special Council Meeting is scheduled for August 7, 2024, which includes another flood update from staff. Residents are invited to tune in in-person or virtually. To watch the Special Council Meeting online, visit: events.burlington.ca/meetings
City cleanup and recovery efforts
Service Burlington call volumes have returned to a normal level and staff are available to answer flood-related questions for residents.
City staff are continuing to do site visits to observe flooding locations and determine the causes/mechanisms of flooding.
City staff are continuing to inspect creeks and key infrastructure locations for damage and debris.
City staff have confirmed that 407 ETR are continuing repairs to their culvert infrastructure at the Cavendish diversion channel.
As always, as more information or resources become available, they will be shared here. Questions or concerns can be directed to mayor@burlington.ca