Toronto basement flooding subsidy: the rule card.

Program rule card

Per the City of Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program page, verified as of 2026-06-23:

Source: City of Toronto -- Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program. The program's stated maximum is $6,650 / 80%, subject to the city's review of each application.

What work qualifies

Per the Toronto subsidy page (verified 2026-06-23), the following flood-protection measures are eligible when installed by a licensed contractor:

• Backwater valve -- a device that prevents sewer water from backing up through the floor drain. Requires a building permit and city inspection before concrete is patched.
• Sump pump -- installs in the basement to pump groundwater away from the foundation.
• Battery backup for sump pump -- keeps the pump running during power outages.
• Downspout disconnection -- redirects roof water away from the combined sewer.
• Plumbing assessment -- a professional assessment of the drain system.
• Weeping-tile replacement -- perimeter drain work around the foundation.

Contractor licence requirement

The contractor must hold a valid City of Toronto business licence at the time of the work. Per the Toronto subsidy page (verified 2026-06-23), backwater valve installation requires licence type T94, T92, T87, or T85. Work by an unlicensed contractor is not rebatable regardless of the quality of the application.

Eligibility gate

The Toronto program states the following eligibility conditions (verified 2026-06-23 on the official subsidy page):

• You are the registered owner of the property.
• The property is a single-family home, duplex, triplex, or fourplex.
• The property is connected to the City of Toronto sewer system.
• No outstanding City tax arrears on the property.
• Work is performed by a licensed Toronto contractor.
• A building permit is obtained before backwater valve installation begins.
• A city inspection is completed before the backwater valve is covered.

Rejection-proof checklist

Most Toronto subsidy rejections are administrative. Based on the rejection reasons listed on the official Toronto subsidy page (verified 2026-06-23), an administratively sound application includes:

• Contractor business licence confirmed valid before work begins. Ask for the licence number and verify it is current.
• Building permit obtained before the backwater valve job starts. Permit number goes on the invoice and the application.
• City inspection booked and completed before the valve location is patched with concrete. Do not cover the work until the inspector signs off.
• Itemized invoice listing each device and service separately, marked "paid in full," with the contractor's name, address, and licence number.
• Proof of payment (bank statement or cleared cheque matching the invoice total).
• Property tax account confirmation showing no outstanding arrears.
• Proof of ownership (current property tax bill or land transfer documents).
• Application filed within 2 years of the installation date for work completed on or after November 12, 2025.

Where to apply

Applications go to the City of Toronto directly. The official program page at toronto.ca (Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy) has the current application form and any updated instructions. Verify the current rules and deadline there before filing.

Questions about building permits for backwater valves: the Toronto building permit guide for standalone plumbing and drains is at toronto.ca (Backwater Valve building permit guide).

See the St. Catharines FLAP page if your property is in St. Catharines.