City programs help reduce basement flooding
The City has a number of programs to help you lower your risk of basement flooding:
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Basement Flooding Protection Program – Construction 2009
Construction work is set to begin in several neighbourhoods across the City. The construction work will consist of upgrades to storm sewers, installation of dry ponds and underground storage tanks and other system improvements to help prevent basement flooding.

Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program
Homeowners who have experienced basement flooding or wish to undertake flood protection activities are eligible for subsidies. The Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program brochure (PDF) lists the steps to apply.

Please note, there is no longer a subsidy available to property owners for the disconnection of downspouts.

Basement Flooding Fact Sheet
Tips on how to prevent basement flooding and health and safety issues are included in the Basement Flooding Fact Sheet.

2006 Engineering Work Plan
The work plan, approved by Toronto City Council, reports on the measures that will be taken to address basement flooding city-wide as a result of the August 19, 2005 storm. Engineering Work Plan (PDF).

Damage due to tree roots?
If you have a blockage in your sanitary pipe that you suspect is due to roots from a City tree, call 311 to request an inspection from Toronto Water. Grant assistance is available for replacement of sanitary pipes that have been damaged by City-tree roots. Complete the Drain Grant Application Form after your inspection, and submit all necessary documentation to the Drain Grant Office.

Be careful! A flooded basement poses a risk of electrical shock and flood water may contain bacteria harmful to health.

Here are the four steps to follow in the event of a flooded basement:

• Call immediately 416-338-8888, 24 hours-a-day, seven days-a-week.
• Call your insurance company as soon as possible and report property damage caused by the flooding.
• Be mindful of health and safety when cleaning up your flooded basement.
• Consider getting help with flooding clean up. Look in the Yellow Pages under ‘Water Damage Restoration’.

Help take Action
To learn more about what homeowners can do to help reduce your chances of flooding, check out the Handbook for Reducing Basement Flooding produced by the Institute for Catostrophic Loss Reduction at www.iclr.org/research/publications_floods.htm

For more information call 416-338-8888.