Emergency Flood Alleviation Program

Pending a confirmed funding source, the City of St. Catharines is developing a Temporary Emergency Flood Alleviation Program (Emergency FLAP) to help residents impacted by the significant rainstorms and flooding that happened in July and August 2026, protect their properties against future events.

Important: Funding availability pending

The Emergency FLAP is still under development and requires a funding source. We continue to hold collaborative discussions with upper levels of government regarding potential financial aid and relief to support this program.

At this time the Emergency FLAP rebate cannot be guaranteed for all applicants. The City expects to have more clarity around funding in the next few weeks. 

Please read the following before applying:

• Meeting the eligibility requirements does not guarantee funding. There’s significant demand for this program and we expect funding - once a source is available - will be fully allocated before all eligible applications can be approved.
• Completing eligible work does not guarantee reimbursement. Homeowners who move forward with flood prevention work do so with the understanding that reimbursement is subject to available funding at the time their application is reviewed.
• Early application does not guarantee funding. Applications will be reviewed in the order they are received. We will communicate directly with applicants about next steps, the status of their application, and remaining funding as the program progresses.
• All work must be completed by a licensed plumber under a valid City Plumbing-Only permit. Keep all quotes, invoices, and other documentation to submit when work is completed.

What the program offers

The program intends to reimburse eligible homeowners for 90 per cent of the cost (up to a maximum of $5,000) of eligible flood protection devices and associated installation work, including:

• Mainline backwater valves (normally open)
• Sump pits and primary sump pumps
• Secondary (backup) pumps, including battery‑powered or water‑siphon systems
• Weeping tile disconnection from the sanitary sewer
• Reconnection of weeping tiles to a sump pump system
• Related discharge piping
• The cost of the initial contractor assessment
• The cost of the required Plumbing-Only permit

Who is eligible

To qualify for the Emergency Flood Alleviation Program, 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.
• The residential property must be located within City limits.
• The residential property must be connected to the City’s sanitary sewer system.
• All work must be completed by a licensed plumber under a valid City Plumbing-Only permit.

Your property does not need to have experienced flooding to apply, provided that all other eligibility requirements are met. 

How to apply

Homeowners interested in participating in the Emergency Flood Alleviation Program must apply online. 

If you’ve applied to the City’s Flood Alleviation Program after July 1, 2026, we have your application and you do not need to apply again.

Process

• Apply Online: Homeowner reviews eligibility criteria and submits an online application. After processing the application, the City will forward the Emergency FLAP terms and conditions email.
• Contractor Assessment and Quotation: The Homeowner’s contractor to complete an on-site assessment and provide recommendations for eligible work and a quote.
• Permit Application: The Homeowner or Contractor will apply for a Plumbing Only permit using the City’s online portal. All relevant documentation and information will be included as part of the permit application process.
• Permit Issuance: The City will review the permit application and issue the Plumbing-Only permit if the application meets all requirements.
• Complete the Work: The Homeowner coordinates all work with their chosen Contractor (the work must be completed under the respective permit).
• Final Inspection: The Homeowner or Contractor books a final plumbing inspection with the City (using the Plumbing Only permit number).
• Submit Required Documentation: The Homeowner submits the final, paid invoice and additional required documentation after the work has been completed and the permit is closed.
• Rebate Issued: Eligible Homeowners can expect their rebate cheques in 4 to 6 weeks.

We understand the uncertainty of program funding is difficult news for residents who are dealing with the impact of flooding and are trying to balance the need for homeowners to move forward with work protecting their properties. This program remains under development while we continue to collaborate with our partners for additional funding to help our community recover.

More information

For questions about the Emergency Flood Alleviation Program, please email: FLAP@stcatharines.ca.

For questions about plumbing, plumbing permits or plumbing inspections, contact 
Planning and Building Services: building@stcatharines.ca.