Flood Alleviation Program (FLAP)

Q: What is a backwater valve?

A backwater valve is a device installed on the homeâs sanitary lateral in place of the existingmaincleanout. It prevents sewage from flowing back into the home during a sewer surcharging event.

Q: What is a weeping tile?

A weeping tile is a perforated pipe installed around apropertyâsfoundation to collect and redirect groundwater away from the basement or crawl space.

Q: I hear the FLAP sends a crew out for an initial property assessment, does that cost me any money?

No. The onâsite assessment is free and is included as part of the FLAP process.

Q: Who is responsible for hiring and paying the contractor?

The Homeowner is responsible forboth hiring and paying the contractor.

Q: How and when do I receive my reimbursement once all the work is completed?

FLAP rebate cheques are mailed directly to theHomeowner at their home address, after thefinal invoice issubmittedand the permit is closed.Processing times vary, but rebate cheques are typically mailed within 4â6 weeks.

The Flood Alleviation Program (FLAP) helps homeowners protect their properties by offering reimbursement for eligible flood prevention measures, including backwater valves, sump pumps, and required installation work.

By supporting these improvements, the program aims to reduce basement flooding, reduce pressure on the sanitary sewer system, and help homes become more resilient as our community adapts to the impacts of climate change.

For more guidance on preventing and responding to basement flooding, please visit: www.stcatharines.ca/basementflooding.

If you are currently experiencing basement flooding:
Report it by calling Citizen's First at 905.688.5600 and contact your insurance provider as soon as possible.

Eligibility Criteria

To qualify for FLAP, applicants must meet the following requirements:

The property must be a single‑detached (e.g., duplex, triplex, quadplex) or semi‑detached residential property constructed before 2012.
No construction or installation work related to the program may begin before the application is approved.
The residential property must be located within City limits.
All work must be completed under a valid City Plumbing Only permit.

Rebate Amount

FLAP provides funding for up to 90 per cent of eligible project costs, to a maximum of $5,000 per residential property.

Rebate Examples
Scenario	Estimated Project Cost	90% of Cost	Grant Reimbursement	Cost to Resident
Example 1: Within Maximum Grant Amount	$4,500	$4,050	$4,050	$450
Example 2: Above Maximum Grant Amount	$6,500	$5,850	$5,000 (maximum amount)	$1,500

Eligible Devices and Work Covered

FLAP provides reimbursement for the following flood protection measures and associated installation work:

Normally Open Mainline backwater valves
Sump pits and primary sump pumps
Secondary (backup) pumps, including battery‑powered or water‑siphon systems
Weeping tile disconnection or redirection
Related discharge piping
All required work necessary to install approved devices (subject to Coordinator approval)

Process Summary

Follow the steps below to complete your FLAP application:

The Homeowner will review the eligibility criteria and submit an online application.
A Program Coordinator will contact the Homeowner to schedule an on‑site assessment.
After the assessment, the Program Coordinator will provide a recommended outline of eligible work for the Homeowner’s review.
If the Homeowner chooses to proceed, they must obtain a quote from a reputable contractor (must include a licensed plumber).
The Program Coordinator will review the quote to ensure the FLAP‑related work is clearly identified.
A plumbing‑only permit will be opened by the Program Coordinator. All approved work must be completed under this permit.
The Homeowner is responsible for coordinating the project with the chosen contractor. Any plumbing‑related questions should be directed to Planning & Building Services (PBS).
Once the project is complete, either the Homeowner or Contractor must book a final plumbing inspection with PBS.
A Plumbing Inspector will complete the inspection and close the permit once the work meets all requirements.
The Homeowner will provide a copy of the final invoice to the Program Coordinator.
The FLAP rebate will be processed, and reimbursement cheques will be mailed to the Homeowner within 4–6 weeks.

Terms and Conditions

Weeping Tile Connections

Any weeping tile connected to a sanitary lateral must be disconnected and redirected to a sump pit.

New Sump Installations

Properties without an existing weeping tile connection to the sanitary sewer are not eligible for reimbursement for new sump system installations. No consideration will be given to stand alone sump pump installations.

Replacing Existing Primary and Back-up Sump Pumps

All sump pump replacement considerations (both primary and back-up) are only eligible with the installation of a backwater valve. No consideration will be given to stand alone sump pump installations.

Replacement of an existing primary sump pump is eligible only if:

The existing primary sump pump is non‑functional
Existing weeping tile is properly connected to the existing sump pit

Replacement of an existing secondary (back-up) sump pump is eligible only if:

The existing backup system is deemed inadequate during the on‑site assessment; or
There is currently no back-up sump pump

Non‑Eligible Devices and Work

Devices not covered:

Adapt‑a‑valves or any exterior backwater valves
Normally‑closed backwater valves
Hydrostatic sump pump systems

Work not covered:

Anything related to overland flooding issues (e.g., roadways, sidewalks, culverts, front/back yard drainage issues)
Sewer lateral repair (outside of weeping tile disconnection)
Walk‑out drain issues
Waterproofing
Foundation or structural issues

Additional Program Requirements

The City of St. Catharines is not liable for equipment deficiencies or future issues arising from work completed under the program.

The Homeowner is responsible for ongoing maintenance and regular inspection of their backwater valve and sump pump systems.

Existing exterior building traps must be removed before a backwater valve can be installed.

It is recommended that a reputable Contractor conduct a secondary assessment, as the initial assessment may not identify all plumbing complexities. The Contractor is responsible for verifying all proposed work and site‑specific needs.

All materials used must be CSA‑approved, and warranties are valid only through the contractor who performs the work.

The Homeowner is responsible for coordinating all approved FLAP work and ensuring timely completion.

All final work must pass a plumbing inspection, and the permit must be closed before any funds can be issued.

Any device issues or flooding concerns must be reported to the contractor or plumber who completed the original permitted work.

FLAP applications and files will be closed after six months of inactivity, or at the discretion of the Program Coordinator.

Resources

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

What is a backwater valve?

A backwater valve is a device installed on the home’s sanitary lateral in place of the existing main cleanout. It prevents sewage from flowing back into the home during a sewer surcharging event.

What is a sump pump?

A sump pump is a device that collects and removes excess rainwater or groundwater from around your home’s foundation from a weeping tile connection. It sits in a pit (called a sump pit) and automatically pumps water away from the house to help prevent basement flooding and water damage.

What is a weeping tile?

A weeping tile is a perforated pipe installed around a property’s foundation to collect and redirect groundwater away from the basement or crawl space.

I hear the FLAP sends a crew out for an initial property assessment, does that cost me any money?

No. The on‑site assessment is free and is included as part of the FLAP process.

Who is responsible for hiring and paying the contractor?

The Homeowner is responsible for both hiring and paying the contractor.

What if I want a backwater valve, but do not want to disconnect my weeping tile from the sanitary sewer?

To be eligible for the grant, all weeping tile connections to the sanitary lateral must be disconnected and redirected to a sump pit.

How and when do I receive my reimbursement once all the work is completed?

FLAP rebate cheques are mailed directly to the Homeowner at their home address, after the final invoice is submitted and the permit is closed. Processing times vary, but rebate cheques are typically mailed within 4–6 weeks.

I have an existing Accessory Dwelling Unit (ADU) in my basement. Am I still eligible?

Yes. Homes with existing legalised ADUs are eligible. However, due to the added complexity of isolating and reconfiguring plumbing systems, the scope of work may be more complex.

I had work completed under permit last year to install a backwater valve and sump pump. Can I still receive the grant?

No. To qualify for reimbursement, work must not begin before your FLAP application is approved. Any work completed before approval is not eligible for reimbursement.

What if I already completed the assessment, but decided not to participate?

There is no cost for the assessment, and you are not required to proceed. Let the Program Coordinator know, and they will close your file.

Can I choose any contractor I want?

Yes. As long as the contractor uses a licensed plumber for all plumbing‑related work. The City does not endorse or recommend specific contractors.

Questions?

Email: FLAP@stcatharines.ca