Windsor Basement Flooding Subsidy Protection Program Reminder

The City of Windsor is reminding residents that there is a fast-track option for getting to work on basement flooding prevention initiatives.

Due to the overwhelming number of applications received under the traditional subsidy program, there is a backlog in processing traditional (non-fast track) requests for pre-inspection, between 6 and 8 months currently. Because the fast track option doesn’t require a pre-inspection by a City inspector, the wait time to get work done under the program can be significantly reduced. Under fast track, a licensed plumber must perform a pre-conditions assessment before a Building Permit can be issued. Eligibility for the subsidy is determined after the work has been done when a Building Inspector inspects the work performed under the permit.

“There are only a handful of city inspectors available to tackle the thousands of requests,” said City Engineer Mark Winterton. “We’re adding more, but it takes time, and in the meantime residents do have the option of enlisting one of the numerous licensed plumbers in the area to do a pre-condition assessment and submit the pre-condition assessment form and other required information to the City’s Building Department to obtain a permit. Then the work can proceed almost immediately.”

Full details on the Basement Flooding Subsidy program as well as tips for safeguarding your home against flooding can be found through a main marquee on the website.

In 2017, over 1,000 subsidy applicants have chosen the fast-track option, while approximately 3,700 have applied for the traditional program.