Grimsby Basement Flood Protection Program

The Town of Grimsby is developing a program for owners of residential dwellings to reduce the risk of future basement flooding related to sewer back-ups. The program proposes to provide rebates to residential property owners who install flood protection measures within their homes. If approved, this program will be implemented beginning in January 2027, subject to funding.

Important Considerations

The Grimsby Basement Flood Protection Program, or “FPP” for short, is in the early phases of development. We recognize that many residents are looking for support as soon as possible; however, the proposed FPP requires careful program design, and clear eligibility requirements, and application processes to ensure the program is fair, effective, and sustainable when it launches.

We understand some residents will wish to proceed with installing flood protection measures before the program is implemented in 2027 and the Town is currently considering the possibility of implementing retroactive rebates for properties who install devices before the program is initiated, but after July 1, 2026, providing they meet the future program eligibility requirements.

While we cannot guarantee retroactive reimbursements will be provided as part of the FPP, we encourage residents to review the program eligibility requirements below if they are proceeding with these devices ahead of the anticipated program implementation. To maximize the ability to qualify for any future retroactive rebate, residents are encouraged to follow the anticipated eligibility requirements as closely as possible and retain detailed records, including invoices, permits, plumber information, photographs, and proof of payment.

Anticipated Program Framework

The FPP intends to reimburse eligible homeowners for 90% of the cost of eligible flood protection devices and associated work up to a maximum of $6,500. The following elements are anticipated to be covered when completed in conjunction with foundation drain disconnections:

Backwater valves (normally open type).
Sump pits and primary sump pumps.
Secondary (backup) sump pumps.
Weeping tile (foundation drain) disconnection from the sanitary sewer system.
Downspout (roof drain) disconnection from the sanitary sewer system.
Reconnection weeping tiles to a sump pump system.
Related discharge piping.
Cost of plumber-lead pre-construction assessments.
Cost of Town services (lateral inspection, plumbing permit, etc.) if previously paid.

Expected Eligibility Requirements

We anticipate properties meeting the eligibility requirements will ultimately be eligible for the future program:

The property must be located within the Town of Grimsby
It must be a residential single detached, semi-detached, townhouse property
The property is connected to the municipal sanitary sewer system
The applicant is the registered property owner or an authorized representative of the owner
All plumbing work is completed by a properly licensed plumber (or approved equivalent)
All required permits are obtained before work begins

The following rebates are being considered:

90% of the cost up to a maximum of $1,500 towards the installation of a backwater valve
90% of the cost up to a maximum of $5,000 towards the installation of devices that support the disconnection of foundation or roof drains to remove stormwater from entering the sanitary sewer system (e.g. weeping tile disconnections, downspout disconnections, sump pit and sump pump installations, etc.).

Foundation drains and downspouts must be disconnected from the sanitary sewer system first to qualify for the program reimbursements, including the $1,500 rebate for backwater valve installations.

Future Updates

The Town will continue developing the FPP over the coming months, including confirming program eligibility, application requirements, funding, and implementation details.

As the program is still in development and has not been approved by Council, we are not currently taking applications.

Additional information will be shared as the program is built. Residents are encouraged to subscribe to Town news alerts at https://www.grimsby.ca/subscribe/ to receive updates as they become available.

More Information

For more information about basement flooding mitigation, including frequently asked questions, please visit the Grimsby Basement Flood Protection Program FAQ

Any questions about the Grimsby Basement Flood Protection Program, please email: floodprotection@grimsby.ca

Any questions related to plumbing, plumbing permits, or plumbing inspections, contact our Building Division by email: building@grimsby.ca