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As the City of Burlington prepares for more investments in its flood prevention and support efforts, the City is reminding residents of flood program deadlines, and new grant options aimed at helping residents recover from flooding in July 2024. The deadline to initiate an application for the City of Burlington’s Flood Relief Grant and the Building Permit/Zoning Certificate Fee Flood Relief Program is Dec. 20, 2024, at 5 p.m.
In addition, the Province announced on Nov. 29 that some homeowners in Burlington may be eligible for financial support through the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program. The City is encouraging residents to take advantage of these available resources if they have not done so already. Burlington and Halton Region home flood prevention programs will continue.
With climate change driving increasingly severe weather, Burlington is stepping up efforts to address the growing risks of flooding. In the 2025 budget, the City is dedicating substantial resources to enhance stormwater systems and bolster emergency preparedness. Homeowners are also encouraged to play an active role in reducing flood risks by taking advantage of available City and regional programs. While certain measures aimed at addressing this summer’s flood are nearing their final deadlines, other programs remain in place to help the community better protect homes and properties in the face of future challenges.
City of Burlington Flood Recovery Grant
City of Burlington’s Flood Relief Grant ($1,000) can help residents to either offset the cost of an insurance deductible or help with flooding-related costs that are not otherwise covered under their home insurance policy. For all eligibility criteria, visit: burlington.ca/flood.
The deadline to call 311 to arrange an inspection is 5 p.m. on Dec. 20, 2024.
City of Burlington Building Permit/Zoning Certificate Fee Flood Relief Program
The Building Permit/Zoning Certificate Fee Flood Relief Program is also coming to an end on Dec. 20, 2024. This program covers the cost of building permit and zoning certificate fees for homeowners completing interior renovations following flood damage from the severe weather event on July 15 and 16. For all eligibility criteria, visit: burlington.ca/flood.
Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program
Last week, the Ontario government announced that it would be activating the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program. This will provide much needed support for residents in designated areas of Burlington alongside creeks after flooding in July. The City welcomes this important financial support.
The DRAO program is not funded or run by the City. To find out if you are eligible to apply for assistance and for next steps, individuals should review activation areas and program guidelines available at:
If you have any questions relating to the Disaster Recovery Assistance Program, you can contact the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing as follows:
- call 1-877-822-0116 after speaking with your private insurance provider.
- email disasterassistance@ontario.ca after speaking with your private insurance provider.
Homeowners are encouraged to visit burlington.ca/floodprevention to learn about any steps to take or programs that will help prevent flooding in their home.
Home Flood Protection Program
Since 2017, the City of Burlington has offered 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.
Plumbing Permit Fee Grant Program
Since the 2014 flood, the City of Burlington has offered a Plumbing Permit Fee Grant Program covering the cost of a building permit associated with specific improvements done in homes or businesses to reduce the risk of basement flooding.
Halton Region's Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program
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. Available subsidies include backwater valve installation, downspout disconnection and more.
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Quick Facts
- Many Burlington residents affected by the flooding have already filed their claims.
- There were 1662 calls to Halton Region for flood inspection between July 15 and Oct. 3.
- The City received 752 calls for Burlington Flood Relief Grant eligible properties.
- The City of Burlington Home Flood Protection Program and Halton Region’s Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program will continue to be available to residents.
- The City of Burlington Plumbing Permit Fee Grant Program will continue to be offered.
- The 2025 budget includes $5.2 million for stormwater management infrastructure projects to reduce flood risk in high-priority areas.
Quote
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
“Climate change is having devastating effects on our community. With more unpredictable and damaging weather, it's important for each of us to do what we can to prepare for and protect against flooding. For our part, the City is investing significant funds in stormwater management and ongoing improvements to emergency response. As homeowners, we can do our part by protecting our homes and properties with city and regional flood prevention programs. While some programs offered to address July's flood event are wrapping up, others will continue to be available to our community.”
Links and Resources
- www.burlington.ca/floodprevention
- www.burlington.ca/flood
- www.halton.ca/flood
- For more information on the 2025 budget, visit www.burlington.ca/budget or www.getinvolvedburlington.ca/2025budget.
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