More homes will be protected from basement flooding with a sump pump and backwater valve installed with financial help from the Manitoba government. This announcement was made by Municipal Government Minister Drew Caldwell, Winnipeg Mayor Brian Bowman and Doug Dobrowolski, president of Association of Manitoba Municipalities.
“Between 2011 and 2014, this program subsidized the cost of sewer/drain backup systems for 3,142 homes in Winnipeg and 281 homes in municipalities outside of Winnipeg,” said Minister Caldwell. “We encourage other homeowners to protect property and reduce the risk of basement flooding, which can cause major damage and stress for residents.”
Through this program, the province will provide matching 50-50 cost-shared funding to participating municipalities, to a maximum of $500,000 in Winnipeg and $250,000 in rural Manitoba.
Homeowners are eligible for up to 60 per cent of costs to a maximum of $3,000 through the municipally administered program. A maximum of $1,000 for the installation of an approved in-line backwater valve and up to a maximum of $2,000 towards the installation of a sump pump and pit drainage system is available. Homeowners are encouraged to check with their municipality on its participation in the program.
With the extension of this program for one year in 2015, the province, through the Building Manitoba Fund, the City of Winnipeg and other participating municipalities, will continue to cost-share the installation of sump pumps and backwater valves.
“The Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program will help more families protect their homes against severe weather or flooding by assisting with the costs of backwater valves and improved home drainage systems,” said Bowman. “I thank the Manitoba government for partnering with the City of Winnipeg again this year to assist homeowners in taking proactive steps to protect their home through this innovative program.”
“This program is another tool municipalities can use to assist residents in protecting their homes and property from damage,” said Dobrowolski. “The AMM appreciates the opportunity to partner with the Province of Manitoba on this important initiative.”
To receive funding, homeowners must hire a plumber currently licensed to perform the eligible labour, ensure appropriate permits are obtained and arrange for the necessary inspection of the work.
