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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 program information, please review the FLAP Homeowners Brochure.
Think you are eligible and want to apply? Submit an online intake form.
Downloadable version for printing: Flood Alleviation Rebate Program Intake form
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.
For more guidance on preventing and responding to basement flooding, please visit: www.stcatharines.ca/basementflooding.
To qualify for FLAP, applicants must meet the following requirements:
| Scenario | Estimated Project Cost | 90% of Cost | Grant Reimbursement | Cost to Resident |
|---|---|---|---|---|
|
Example 1: |
$4,500 |
$4,050 |
$4,050 |
$450 |
|
Example 2: |
$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:
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.
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
Devices not covered:
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Email: FLAP@stcatharines.ca
Contact Us
50 Church St.
PO Box 3012
St. Catharines ON L2R 7C2
Email: CitizensFirst@stcatharines.ca
Tel: 905.688.5600
TTY: Type 711 for the operator
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