city of toronto basement flooding
The City Will Pay Up to $6,650 to Protect Your Basement
The Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program reimburses Toronto homeowners up to 80% of eligible flood protection costs. VMB Group installs every eligible device — and handles all your documentation to help you claim every dollar back.
$6,650
Max subsidy per property
80%
Of eligible costs reimbursed
20+
Years VMB experience
100%
Documentation handled by us
About the Program
What Is the City of Toronto Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program?
As of May 1, 2026, the City of Toronto expanded its Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy Program, offering residential homeowners up to $6,650 per property in reimbursements for approved flood protection work completed on or after November 12, 2025.
The program covers up to 80% of the invoiced cost for eligible installations — including backwater valves, sump pumps, battery backup systems, foundation drain severance, and, new in the expanded program, home plumbing assessments. The goal is to help Toronto homeowners protect their properties from the increasing risk of basement flooding caused by heavy rainfall and overtaxed sewer infrastructure.
Subsidies are issued on a first-come, first-served basis subject to annual City Council funding approval. That means the sooner you act, the better.
Important Deadline
Applications for work completed on or after November 12, 2025 must be submitted within 2 years of the installation date.
For work completed before November 12, 2025, you have 1 year to apply.
Eligible Subsidies
How Much Can You Claim?
The City of Toronto reimburses up to 80% of your invoiced cost for each eligible installation, up to the following maximums:
Eligible Work
Maximum City Subsidy (up to 80% of cost)
Home Plumbing Assessment
Up to $500
Backwater Valve — installation or replacement + alarm
Maximum two devices
Up to $1,600 per device
Sump Pump — installation or replacement + alarm
Maximum one device
Up to $2,250
Sump Pump Battery Backup Power
Up to $300
Foundation Drain (Weeping Tile) Pipe Severance & Capping
Up to $400
Total Maximum Subsidy Per Property
Up to $6,650
* Eligible costs include labour, materials and applicable taxes. Each property has a lifetime maximum per installation type. Downspout disconnection is not eligible for a subsidy under this program.
Our Process
VMB Group Handles Everything — Start to Finish
Most homeowners lose money on this program because of missing documentation or licensing issues. We make sure that doesn't happen to you.
1
Free Consultation & Assessment
We visit your property, assess your flood risk and identify every eligible installation that could maximize your City subsidy.
- We tell you upfront exactly how much you can claim
2
Licensed Installation
Our fully City of Toronto-licensed technicians complete all eligible work — backwater valves (with building permit), sump pumps, battery backup, and pipe severance.
- All contractors hold valid City of Toronto business licences
3
Complete Documentation Package
We prepare and hand you every document required by the City: itemized invoices, permit records, inspection confirmations, plumbing assessment forms, and installation photos.
- We provide all compulsory supporting documents
4
Guided Application Support
We walk you through the City's online application process step by step — or assist you in completing it — so your submission is accurate and complete from day one.
- Incomplete applications are not processed — we prevent errors
5
Receive Your Subsidy
The City reviews complete applications and issues subsidies within approximately 10 weeks. You get your money back directly from the City of Toronto.
- Up to $6,650 back in your pocket
Eligibility
Do You Qualify?
The program is available to most Toronto residential homeowners. Here's a quick reference.
You are eligible if...
- You are the registered owner of the property
- Your property is a single-family home, duplex, triplex or fourplex
- Your property is within the City of Toronto
- Your downspouts are disconnected from the City sewer (or you have a City exemption)
- You have no outstanding taxes or debts owed to the City
- Your front yard paved areas comply with City Zoning By-law requirements
- Your property has not exceeded its lifetime maximum subsidy for each eligible type
X
Not covered by the program
- Downspout disconnection work
- Commercial or multi-residential (5+ units) properties
- Work performed by an unlicensed contractor
- Applications submitted more than 2 years after installation
- Sewage ejector pumps
- Properties with outstanding City tax or debt obligations
- Incomplete or improperly documented applications
We Deliver Every Document the City Requires — Without Exception
The City of Toronto will not process incomplete applications. One missing invoice, a wrong licence number, or an undated receipt means your application is denied. VMB Group ensures that never happens.
- Itemized invoices with name, address, date, cost breakdown & "paid in full" notation
- Contractor City of Toronto business licence documentation
- Building permit and inspection records for backwater valve installation
- Completed Home Plumbing Assessment Form (licensed plumber signed)
- Installation photos of sump pump and exterior discharge pipe
- Full application guidance and submission walkthrough
Why Choose VMB Group
Toronto's Most Experienced Subsidy-Eligible Contractor
Not just any contractor qualifies. VMB Group meets every licensing requirement the City demands — and has done this for over 20 years.
City-Licensed Contractors
All VMB technicians hold valid City of Toronto business licences across every eligible category: T87, T92, T94.
100+ Five-Star Reviews
Consistently rated 5 stars on Google and TrustedPros. Toronto homeowners trust us with their most important investment.
Fully Licensed & Insured
WSIB-compliant, fully insured, and CSPAAT-verified. You're protected at every stage of the project.
20+ Years of Expertise
More basement flood protection projects completed in Toronto than any other company. We know exactly what the City requires.
Full Application Support
We prepare your complete documentation package and guide you through every step of the City's subsidy application process.
Maximize Your Return
We identify every eligible installation on your property to ensure you claim the maximum possible subsidy — not just part of it.
Expert Perspective
What Homeowners Often Get Wrong About This Program
After completing hundreds of subsidy-eligible installations across Toronto, our team at VMB Group has seen the same mistakes cost homeowners thousands of dollars in denied or reduced claims.
The most common issue: hiring a contractor who is not licensed by the City of Toronto. The program is unambiguous — if your contractor doesn't hold a valid City of Toronto business licence at the time of the work, your application will be denied, regardless of the quality of the installation.
The second most common mistake: incomplete invoices. The City requires your invoice to show the contractor's name and address, the property address, the date, an itemized cost breakdown, and a clear "paid in full" notation. Missing any one of these fields means your application will not be processed.
VMB Group was built to eliminate these problems. We maintain all required City licences, train our teams on subsidy documentation standards, and ensure every client leaves with a complete, application-ready package.
Plumbing Contractor — T94
Eligible for home plumbing assessments, backwater valve installation, sump pumps, and pipe severance & capping.
Plumbing & Heating Contractor — T92
Full-scope plumbing and heating licence covering all eligible subsidy work categories.
Drain Contractor — T87
Licensed for drainage work including foundation drain severance and capping.
WSIB & CSPAAT Verified
Workplace safety compliance verified. You are protected throughout the entire project.
Smart Reno Certified
Independently verified contractor rating demonstrating service quality and reliability.
Common Questions
Frequently Asked Questions
Does my property qualify if I've already received a subsidy before?
Each property has a lifetime maximum per eligible installation type. If you received a subsidy for a backwater valve years ago under the old program limits, you may still be eligible for top-up amounts under the expanded 2025 program — but only for the difference. We recommend contacting the City at BasementFlooding@toronto.ca or calling 416-338-7668 to check your subsidy history, or ask us and we'll help you verify.
Can I start the work before applying?
Yes. You apply after the work is completed, not before. However, you must ensure your contractor has a valid City of Toronto business licence before work begins. You cannot retroactively add a licence. For backwater valve installation specifically, you must also obtain a building permit before installation starts and arrange a City inspection before enclosing the valve.
How long does it take to receive the subsidy from the City?
The City of Toronto states it can take up to 10 weeks to receive the subsidy after submitting a complete application. Incomplete applications will not be processed and must be resubmitted. This is exactly why VMB Group prepares a complete documentation package for you — to avoid delays from missing information.
My downspouts are still connected to the sewer. Can I still apply?
You must have your downspouts disconnected from the City's sewer system, or have been granted a formal exemption by the City, as a condition of the subsidy program. Note that downspout disconnection itself is not eligible for a subsidy, but it is a prerequisite. VMB Group can advise you on this requirement and refer you to the appropriate process.
Is a sump pump battery backup now covered?
Yes — this is one of the new additions in the program expanded as of May 1, 2026. Battery backup power for sump pumps is now eligible for a subsidy of up to 80% of the invoiced cost, to a maximum of $300. This applies to work completed on or after November 12, 2025.
What happens if my application is denied?
The City will notify you by email if your application is denied. The most common reasons for denial are: unlicensed contractor, incomplete or non-compliant invoices, missing permits or inspections, outstanding City debts, or exceeding the lifetime maximum for an installation type. VMB Group's documentation process is designed to prevent all of these issues before you submit.
Ready to Protect Your Home — and Get Up to $6,650 Back?
Get a free estimate from VMB Group. We’ll assess your property, complete all eligible installations, and handle every document you need to claim your City of Toronto subsidy.
