Take Action Burlington

It’s April and as the saying goes, “April showers bring May flowers.” While rain in the spring is normal, the way rain falls has been changing. The slow, steady rain, while still occurring at times, seems to be increasingly replaced by heavy, isolated downpours. While we can’t control the rain, there are many steps we can take to be better prepared.

Programs available to you

The City of Burlington, Halton Region, and Conservation Halton offer residents with a variety of options.

City of Burlington

Since the 2014 flood, the City has offered a number of programs including:

• Home Flood Protection Program – helps homeowners learn to reduce the risk of flooding on their property and if flooding does occur, how to minimize damage. A limited number of subsidies for assessments are available each year. Assessments can be done in person or online, both of which are eligible for a 50 percent subsidy.
• Plumbing Permit Fee Grant Program – this is available for programs offered by Halton Region (as noted below), where a building permit is needed. While you still need to apply for a permit, the cost is covered by the City.

Halton Region

Since the 2014 flood, Halton Region has offered the Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program. Subsidies offered vary from 50 to 100 percent depending on the program. All programs other than Downspout Disconnection require a permit and are eligible for Burlington’s Plumbing Permit Fee Grant Program as noted above.

• Downspout Disconnection Program and Video
• Weeping Tile Disconnection and Sump Pump Installation Subsidy – Weeping tile video and sump pump video
• Backwater Valve Installation Subsidy and Video
• Sewer Lateral (Pipe) Lining and Repair

Conservation Halton

Twice a year, Conservation Halton offers Healthy Neighboursheds workshops. These online and in-person workshops are designed to help you improve your landscaping resulting in managing rainwater, using less energy and resources, improving local water quality, and benefitting wildlife. Check out the Healthy Neighboursheds webpage each spring and fall to find out what learning opportunities are being offered. Online workshops usually cost around $10 with in person workshops under $50 including lunch.

Conservation Halton also offers a variety of financial assistance programs including:

• Rainwater Conservation Fund – up to $7,500 available to Burlington landowners in Aldershot, Brant Hills, Tyandaga and part of North Burlington. Projects include bioswales, infiltration trenches, soakaway pits/rain gardens, permeable pavement/pavers, etc.
• Water Quality and Habitat Improvement Program – this program accepts funding applications up to Thanksgiving each year for projects planned in the upcoming year. So, if you have a project to implement in 2026, ensure you apply by Thanksgiving 2025. Guidelines vary on your property type – agricultural, countryside, urban or commercial. The maximum cost covered under this program also varies and is based on the project type.

Do it yourself tips

Do you enjoy do-it-yourself projects? If you do, there are several steps you can take to help reduce your risk of flooding. The costs vary from no costs and increase depending on the work that needs to be done. Subsidies or grants are available for some actions as noted in the above sections.

• Three Steps to Cost-Effective Flood Protection (AODA version) by the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation
• Get Flood Ready tips by the Government of Canada
• Estimated costs ranges for completing residential flood protection projects by the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation

What happens if my house or business floods?

Contact Halton Region at 3-1-1. For additional tips, please visit halton.ca.

If you see significant ponding or flooding on roads in Burlington, contact Service Burlington by calling 905-335-7777 or emailing city@burlington.ca

How can I receive advanced notice of weather events?

Conservation Halton offers a free email service to let you know when they issue flood and low water messages. Subscribe to stay informed.

Be prepared

Create an emergency kit for your home and vehicles. For a list of things to include in each kit, visit burlington.ca/prepare.

Take Action Burlington! Prepare for our warmer, wetter and wilder weather. Collectively, we can make a difference.