Burlington encourages residents to prepare for summer storm season
Burlington, Ont.—July 3, 2026— As Burlington enters summer storm season, the City is highlighting ongoing investments in flood resilience and encouraging residents to take simple steps to prepare for severe weather, including summer thunderstorms.
Summer storms can bring heavy rainfall, strong winds, lightning and localized flooding, sometimes with little warning. Taking steps to prepare before severe weather occurs can help residents protect their homes, families and property.
Residents are encouraged to:
- Monitor weather forecasts and alerts from Environment Canada.
- Sign up for City news and subscribe to our media release and extreme weather newsfeeds.
- Create or review a household emergency plan.
- Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies.
- Help reduce home flood risk by completing seasonal maintenance, such as cleaning eavestroughs, clearing debris from nearby storm drains, testing your sump pump and cleaning your backwater valve.
- Explore programs offered by the City, region and conservation authority that can help reduce flood risk and protect your property.
- Consider subscribing to Conservation Halton flood forecasts.
Residents are also encouraged to review their home insurance coverage and understand what protection is available for risks such as sewer backup and overland flooding. To support residents in learning more about flood insurance, the City has recorded a webinar in partnership with the Insurance Bureau of Canada to answer common questions about coverage, exclusions and what homeowners should discuss with their insurance provider.
Burlington maintains an extensive stormwater network that includes major creeks, thousands of culverts, storm sewers, manholes, catch basins and stormwater management facilities across the city, all of which require ongoing maintenance and renewal. In 2026, the City is investing $7.9 million in stormwater projects, building on approximately $90 million in investments since 2015, with work focused on upgrading aging infrastructure, improving system performance and restoring creek areas. Alongside infrastructure investments and increased maintenance and inspections, the City continues to strengthen its preparedness for extreme weather through community engagement, emergency planning, and business continuity efforts.
To learn more about home flood protection resources and tips, visit: burlington.ca/floodprevention
Burlington is a city where people, nature and business thrive. Sign up to learn more about Burlington at burlington.ca/subscribe and follow @CityBurlington on social media.
Quotes
Mayor Marianne Meed Ward
“As weather patterns become increasingly unpredictable, we’re investing to be prepared and protect our community. We continue to move forward with flood mitigation measures, including millions in stormwater management investments each year, as well as taking action on the steps in our Climate Resilient Burlington Plan. We are grateful for residents looking out for each other during severe weather, and encourage everyone to take steps to be prepared.”
Deputy Mayor for the Environment, Ward 3 Councillor Rory Nisan
“The City continues to advance important work to improve resilience to severe weather through sustained investment in stormwater systems and flood mitigation measures; however, as summer storms become more frequent and intense, residents also play a key role in preparedness by staying informed and taking practical steps to reduce their risk and protect their property.”
Links and Resources
- Prepare an emergency kit with essential supplies
- Learn more about the City's Climate Resilient Burlington Plan
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Media contact:
City of Burlington Corporate Communications