Financial Assistance Program for flood preparedness

https://www.pointe-claire.ca/en/community-life/programs-and-subsidies/financial-assistance-program-for-stormwater-management-on-residential-properties

This week Council adopted a flood preparedness subsidy program for homeowners in single family or 2 unit buildings. Under the program, residents can obtain a subsidy of up to 50%, to a maximum of $5,000 of flood adaptation expenses such as:

grade correction;

• installation or improvement of permeable surfaces;

• planting a rain garden;

• disconnecting the gutters from the sewer system or the foundation drain;

• installation of retention systems;

• installation of check valves;

• installation of roof drains;

• installation of window wells;

• upgrading sump pumps and foundation drains;

• installation of fixed or removable cofferdams;

• installation of watertight doors;

• upgrading the waterproofing at water entry points;

• backfilling a driveway entrance;

• any other measures recommended by a City representative.

Details on how to apply are available at the link above. Introducing this kind of program to Pointe-Claire is an issue I campaigned on in the last election and represents a positive step forward. I also believe Council should be open to adapting the program over time in response to citizen concerns (for example I would like to see some mechanism for including multifamily townhouse buildings like those in Greenwich in District 4, and prioritization of applications from previously flooded homeowners given limited funding).

Don't hesitate to reach out if you have any questions or feedback on the program.