Peterborough property owners could qualify for thousands of dollars in financial assistance to help protect their homes from basement flooding.
The City of Peterborough is promoting its Flood Reduction Subsidy Program, which helps cover the cost of improvements designed to keep rainwater and groundwater out of the sanitary sewer system.
Depending on the work required, eligible property owners could receive up to $15,000 for certain improvements.
The program is available to property owners who have experienced basement flooding or have been contacted by the City about a non-conforming sanitary sewer connection.
Eligible projects include installing backwater valves, disconnecting foundation drains and downspouts, and making other improvements to prevent excess water from entering the sewer system.
Financial assistance includes:
– Up to $1,000 for backwater valve installation.
– Up to $1,500 for foundation drain disconnection with a sump pit and pump.
– Up to $3,000 for a combined backwater valve installation and foundation drain disconnection with a sump pit and pump.
– Up to $500 for downspout disconnection.
– Up to $3,500 for roof drain disconnection.
– Up to $15,000 for disconnecting a catch basin from the sanitary sewer and reconnecting it to the storm sewer.
– Up to $50 for repairing broken cleanout covers.
Funding for properties requiring multiple improvements will be considered on a case-by-case basis.
The City says rainwater and groundwater entering sanitary sewers can increase the risk of basement flooding while putting additional pressure on wastewater treatment infrastructure.
Reducing that excess water can help preserve sewer capacity, lower treatment costs and protect the system over the long term.
All eligible work must receive City approval before it is completed to qualify for the subsidy.
