Toronto's Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program pays part of the cost of devices that reduce the risk of sewer backup and basement flooding. It applies to houses, not condominium units: the City lists eligible properties as single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes and fourplexes.
Amounts
For work completed on or after November 12, 2025, the City lists (as of October 16, 2026):
| Item | Subsidy |
|---|---|
| Backwater valve (up to two devices) | 80% of invoice, up to $1,600 each |
| Sump pump (one device) | 80% of invoice, up to $2,250 |
| Sump pump battery backup | 80% of invoice, up to $300 |
| Weeping tile severance and capping | 80% of invoice, up to $400 |
| Home plumbing assessment (once) | 80% of invoice, up to $500 |
The maximum is $6,650 per property. Work completed before November 12, 2025 uses the older, lower amounts.
Conditions the City sets
- You must be the registered owner.
- Downspouts must be disconnected, or you must have a City exemption.
- Front-yard paved areas, including parking pads, must meet zoning requirements.
- The contractor must hold a valid City of Toronto business licence, and you need original electronic invoices.
- Apply within two years of installation (one year for work before November 12, 2025).
- No outstanding taxes or debts owed to the City. Funding is first-come, first-served and subject to annual Council approval.
When buying a house
It is reasonable to ask a seller whether a backwater valve or sump pump is installed and whether a subsidy was claimed, since device types have a lifetime maximum per property. A sewer camera inspection is a common addition to a home inspection on older Toronto houses.