CORNWALL, Ontario – The City of Cornwall is now accepting applications for the Flood Risk Reduction Rebate, a new program to assist homeowners in flooding-affected areas.
Through the program, eligible homeowners can receive a rebate of up to $3,600 for completing improvements such as eavestrough downspout disconnections, backwater valve installations, foundation drain disconnections and lot grading.
“The goal of the program is to reduce the risk of flooding caused by sewer back-ups and reduce the burden on the city’s sanitary sewer network,” said John St. Marseille, general manager, infrastructure and municipal works. “We also want to have the opportunity for residents to dialogue with city staff about flooding causes and protection measures.”
Residents who are interested in applying are asked to fill out an application form online at www.Cornwall.ca (click on the Blueprint logo). Hard copies of the application form are also available for pick up at the Municipal Works office (1225 Ontario Street) during regular business hours (8:30 am to 4:30 pm), Monday to Friday.
A city representative will be in contact to review the application and schedule a site visit to review the necessary lot-level plumbing corrections required.
Upon completing the appropriate upgrades, a final inspection will be scheduled. The city will issue a rebate upon confirmation of work completion. Upon request, the city will provide a summary letter to the resident of upgrades undertaken.
“We anticipate there will be a high level of interest, so we are asking for residents to be patient while we roll out this new program,” said St. Marseille.
Homeowners are advised that some upgrades under the Flood Risk Reduction Rebate Program will require a building permit and inspection to ensure compliance with the Ontario Building Code. This process is administered by the Building Permits Office and is separate from the Flood Risk Reduction Rebate Program.
Homeowners who did not experience flooding in 2010 or 2013 can still apply for the rebate program however priority will be given to those that experienced flooding or are in flooding clusters. Subject to the number and value of rebate requests received, other non-flooded residents may be considered as well.
Based on the success of the program and further council approval, the city intends to budget up to $1.5 million over the next three years for the rebate program in order to assist as many homeowners as possible.
The new rebate program is part of the Cornwall Blueprint, a comprehensive plan to deal with issues such as basement flooding reduction and environmental, water and infrastructure awareness. It serves to address two key pillars of the City of Cornwall’s Strategic Plan – Quality of Life and Efficient Services.
For additional information on the program, please visit www.Cornwall.ca and click on the Blueprint icon near the bottom of the homepage.
