City of Toronto to almost double the amount of basement flooding subsidies starting May 1

The City of Toronto is launching its most comprehensive Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program, effective Friday, May 1. The expanded program now almost doubles the financial support available to help homeowners prevent basement flooding. 

The expanded program is part of the City’s broader efforts to make life more affordable for Torontonians by helping residents avoid costly damage from increasingly severe weather, while supporting practical home upgrades that provide short and long-term savings. 

Eligible residential property owners can now access an increase to the maximum subsidy per property from up to $3,400 to a maximum of $6,650 which includes: 

• a 28 per cent increase to backwater valve and sump pump subsidy amounts to reflect inflation and market costs 
• a new Home Plumbing Assessment subsidy to help identify internal plumbing issues that contribute to basement flooding 
• eligibility for a second backwater valve subsidy for homes with multiple sewer connections 
• a $300 subsidy for sump pump battery backup systems including retrofits 
• an extension of the application period from one to two years after eligible work is completed 
• eligible homeowners who completed work on or after November 12, 2025, can apply for the enhanced program subsidies 

The revised program follows severe rainfall events in 2024 that led to basement flooding in more than 1,000 homes. The City reviewed the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program and asked residents what additional measures they would like to see to help reduce stormwater runoff and flooding risks. 

Established in 2007, the program provides eligible residential property owners with subsidies to install flood protection measures that help prevent sewer backups and reduce basement flooding during severe storms. To date, the program has received approximately 59,000 applications and the City has issued approximately $86 million in subsidies, with about 14 per cent of Toronto’s eligible property owners participating.  

Information about eligibility and how to apply is available at: toronto.ca/BFPsubsidy 

For practical basement flooding prevention tips, visit: toronto.ca/how-to-prevent-basement-flooding. 

Quote:
“This is the largest basement flooding subsidy program the City has ever offered. By doubling the financial support available, we’re helping more homeowners protect their homes, prevent flooding and avoid costly damage.”
– Mayor Olivia Chow

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