Flooding Relief and Prevention Grant Programs

How it works

The Compassionate Flood Grant Program consists of a one-time grant to offset the cost of residential clean-up and emergency remediation work, which may include:

• Pumping out of water
• The tear-out of flooring material
• Removal of baseboards
• Perimeter cut of drywall
• Installation of dehumidifier/ axial fans
• Cleaning and sanitization of affected areas
• Removal and disposal of damaged contents 

Residents who have incurred clean-up or remediation costs at their place of residence as a result of the severe weather incident on July 16, 2024, can complete an application form or can contact the program administrator for questions. The application will be reviewed for eligibility under the program. When the review is complete, the program administrator will then advise the applicant whether they have qualified for the program or not.

Grant allowance

The Compassionate Grant will reimburse taxpayers for costs incurred in the clean-up of homes up to a maximum funding allocation of up to $5,000.

Eligibility criteria:

• To be eligible for a grant, the following criteria must be met:
• The Applicant must be the owner/ tenant of a single-family residential dwelling within the City of Brantford.
• The Applicant must have sustained water damage to their residence as a result of the heavy rainfall event of July 16, 2024.
• The Applicant must have incurred costs for emergency remediation or clean-up of their residence due to the damages sustained during the heavy rainfall event of July 16, 2024.
• The Applicant must not have any other avenue for financial assistance for the expenses incurred (i.e. homeowners insurance coverage)
• The Applicant must provide evidence of the expenses paid by submitting invoices documenting the costs that were incurred and work that was performed. The invoices must show that payment was made.
• Applicants will have from August 28, 2024, until November 29, 2024, to submit an application for consideration under the grant program.
• Grant eligibility is subject to available funding and provided on a first-come, first-served basis on fully complete applications.
• Applicants must complete an application form in its entirety.

Limitations:

• Only one application for each residential property is eligible.
• Any funds paid under this program will be deducted from any potential future claim payment in order to avoid the duplication of payments.
• Expenses incurred that are outside of the scope of emergency remediation and clean-up will not qualify for the grant.
• Expenses such as lost wages due to time off work, loss of enjoyment of property, replacement of damaged contents, or residential repairs do not qualify for the grant.

Program eligibility

To qualify for the program:

• Your house cannot be under a new construction warranty
• You must be the owner(s) of a residential property and live in the home
• You must have current and paid property taxes at the time of application; and
• You must not have received a subsidy through the previous basement flooding programs.

Eligible work and grant amounts

The maximum grant per household is $5,000. The grant covers up to 80 percent of the total overall costs.

Any replacements or repairs to your existing system (except for private storm laterals) or devices are not eligible under this program as these are part of the normal upkeep or maintenance of the property owner.

How to apply

You can apply for the Basement Flooding Prevention Grant online. Please make sure to include an itemized, detailed quote with your application that has:

• estimated costs for all work to be undertaken
• separate line item costs for the eligible works, which include the costs of materials and labour
• All contractors' City Business Licence Numbers

Please review our Grant Application Submission Checklist for more details. If approved, you'll receive a Commitment Letter that represents the agreement.

Apply for the Basement Flooding Prevention Grant

Finding contractors

We encourage you to research and hire a City of Brantford licensed contractor after checking references and asking questions throughout the process. Learn more about your rights when starting home renovations or repairs.

After you receive your Commitment Letter

Once you receive the signed Commitment Letter, you or your contractor must:

• Apply for a plumbing permit and book an inspection for installation of any backwater valve or sump pump; and then
• Continue with the recommended works.

Please note that utility locates are your responsibility as the homeowner. A contractor is responsible after they receive your authorization. Any preventative works that have been completed without an inspection and approval will result in cancellation of any approved grant amounts.

Payment process

We will pay 80 percent of the paid eligible invoice amount (maximum of $5,000 per household), after we receive:

• Confirmation of payment of work completed by the contractor; or payment receipts for materials and equipment (excluding labour costs related to preventative works completed by the homeowner)
• A satisfactory City verification of the downspout disconnection and other approved works
• A satisfactory City inspection of the sump pump or backwater valve installation
• Photo evidence of remedial works completed including downspout disconnection(s) and capping of former discharge entry locations

Please email your documentation to floodprevention@brantford.ca or mail to:

Please note that grant approvals are subject to funding availability on a first-come first-served basis. Approved grants are only valid for six months from the approval date and expire if:

• Work is not completed
• We do not receive confirmation of payment for work completed
• Inspection or verification of eligible works is not satisfactory
• Other forms are incomplete (e.g. unsigned Commitment Letter)

We have the authority to extend the grant period and make any other changes necessary for the program's success.