Toronto to Expand Flooding Protection Program
Toronto officials have proposed new supports to help property owners protect their homes from basement flooding.
Key changes to the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program include:
- Increasing the maximum subsidy per property to $6,650 from $3,400
- Increasing backwater valve and sump pump subsidy amounts by 28% to reflect inflation and market costs
- Introducing a new home plumbing assessment subsidy to help homeowners identify internal plumbing issues contributing to basement flooding
- Allowing a second backwater valve subsidy for homes with multiple sewer connections
- Adding a $300 subsidy for sump pump battery backup systems including retrofits
- Extending the application period from one to two years after eligible work is completed
City staff reviewed existing programs and consulted with the public on new incentives to reduce stormwater runoff and basement flooding risks after heavy rainfall events in summer 2024 caused basement flooding in thousands of homes.
If approved by city council, the enhancements could take effect as early as May 1, 2026.
The Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program was established in 2007, to provide eligible residential property owners with subsidies to install flood protection measures that help defend against sewer backups and reduce flooding risks during severe storms.
To date, the program has received approximately 59,000 applications and the City has issued nearly $86 million in subsidies, with approximately 14% of Toronto’s residential properties participating.
