Welland backwater valve & sump pump rebate: the SWAP rule card.

Program rule card

Per the City of Welland Sewage Water Alleviation Program (SWAP) page, verified as of 2026-08-08:

Source: City of Welland: Sewage Water Alleviation Program (SWAP). The program's stated combined maximum is $7,500 per home ($1,500 backwater valve / $6,000 stormwater disconnection), reimbursed at the lowest quotation submitted up to the per-item cap, subject to the city's review of each application.

What work qualifies

Per the Welland SWAP page (verified 2026-08-08), the following flood-protection measures are eligible:

• Backwater valve: a suitably sized, normally-open backwater valve installed to Ontario Building Code Article 7.4.6.4, preventing sewage from backing up. Capped at $1,500.
• Foundation drain / weeping tile disconnection: disconnecting the foundation drain or weeping tile from the sanitary sewer system. Required as part of the stormwater-disconnection work.
• Downspout disconnection: disconnecting downspouts from below-ground discharge into the sanitary system. Required as part of the stormwater-disconnection work.
• Sump pit, pump, and discharge piping: installed to manage the water diverted by the disconnection work.
• Vitrified clay lateral replacement and clean-out installation: where applicable to the job.
• Associated excavation, restoration, and interior/exterior repairs tied directly to the eligible work.

Contractor and quote requirement

Per the Welland SWAP page (verified 2026-08-08), the homeowner must obtain written quotations from at least two different contractors for the required work; these quotes form the basis of the City's cost evaluation, and the City reimburses based on the lowest quotation submitted, up to the per-household limit. The homeowner pays the contractor directly; the City reimburses afterward.

Eligibility gate

The Welland SWAP program states the following eligibility conditions (verified 2026-08-08 on the official SWAP page):

• You are a homeowner of a residential property with a basement.
• The property's connection to the sanitary sewer is confirmed via the mandatory pre-work City inspection.
• You allow the City to inspect the sanitary sewer lateral. If a plugged or blocked lateral is found, the homeowner decides whether repairs are needed and pays the full cost themselves: SWAP does not cover lateral repair.
• You agree to disconnect foundation drains and downspouts from the sanitary sewer system.
• You obtain at least two quotations from licensed contractors before proceeding.
• A building permit ("Application to Construct or Demolish") is obtained before work begins.
• Repairs to plugged foundation drains or sewer laterals alone are not eligible: the program funds disconnection and protection devices, not clearing a blockage.

Rejection-proof checklist

An administratively sound Welland SWAP application, based on the program's inspection-then-quotes-then-permit sequence described on the official page (verified 2026-08-08):

• Step 1: Contact the Building Division SWAP coordinator (905-735-1700 x2257 or devserv@welland.ca) to discuss the property and confirm the process.
• Step 2: Complete the SWAP application form with City staff.
• Step 3: Pass the mandatory pre-work site inspection confirming sanitary-sewer connection and eligibility, before arranging any contractor.
• Step 4: Obtain written quotations from at least two different contractors for the required work.
• Step 5: Obtain the building permit ("Application to Construct or Demolish") before work begins.
• Step 6: Complete required inspections during construction per the permit, and the final inspection before excavation is backfilled.
• Itemized invoice matching the accepted (lowest) quotation, marked paid in full.
• Proof of payment (bank statement or cleared cheque matching the invoice total).
• Submit documentation for reimbursement to the Building Division after final inspection.

Where to apply

The official SWAP page at welland.ca/.../sewage-water-alleviation-program has the current program description and links to the application form. The Building Division administers the program; the SWAP coordinator can be reached at 905-735-1700 x2257 or devserv@welland.ca.

Verify the current rules, quote and inspection requirements, and application form on the official page before applying. Program details may have changed since this guide was last verified (2026-08-08).

See the Toronto subsidy page if your property is in Toronto, the St. Catharines FLAP page if your property is in St. Catharines, or the Niagara Falls WRAP page if your property is in Niagara Falls.