By Staff

December 3rd, 2024

BURLINGTON, ON

As the City prepares for more investments in its flood prevention and support efforts, they remind residents of flood program deadlines, and new grant options aimed at helping residents recover from flooding in July 2024.

Burlington’s Flood Relief Grant are there to help.

The deadline to initiate an application for the City of Burlington’s Flood Relief Grant and the Building Permit/Zoning Certificate Fee Flood Relief Program is Dec. 20, 2024 at 5 p.m.

In addition, the Province announced on Nov. 29 that some homeowners in Burlington may be eligible for financial support through the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program.  The City is encouraging residents to take advantage of these available resources if they have not done so already. Burlington and Halton Region home flood prevention programs will continue.

With climate change driving increasingly severe weather, Burlington is stepping up efforts to address the growing risks of flooding. In the 2025 budget, the City is dedicating substantial resources to enhance stormwater systems and bolster emergency preparedness. Homeowners are also encouraged to play an active role in reducing flood risks by taking advantage of available City and regional programs. While certain measures aimed at addressing this summer’s flood are nearing their final deadlines, other programs remain in place to help the community better protect homes and properties in the face of future challenges.

City of Burlington Flood Recovery Grant

City of Burlington’s Flood Relief Grant ($1,000) can help residents to either offset the cost of an insurance deductible or help with flooding-related costs that are not otherwise covered under their home insurance policy. For all eligibility criteria, visit: burlington.ca/flood.

The deadline to call 311 to arrange an inspection is 5 p.m. on Dec. 20, 2024.

City of Burlington Building Permit/Zoning Certificate Fee Flood Relief Program

The Building Permit/Zoning Certificate Fee Flood Relief Program is also coming to an end on Dec. 20, 2024. This program covers the cost of building permit and zoning certificate fees for homeowners completing interior renovations following flood damage from the severe weather event on July 15 and 16. For all eligibility criteria, visit: burlington.ca/flood.

Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program

Last week, the Ontario government announced that it would be activating the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program. This will provide much needed support for residents in designated areas of Burlington alongside creeks after flooding in July. The City welcomes this important financial support.

The DRAO program is not funded or run by the City. To find out if you are eligible to apply for assistance and for next steps, individuals should review activation areas and program guidelines available at:

•  ontario.ca/DisasterAssistance

If you have any questions relating to the Disaster Recovery Assistance Program, you can contact the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing as follows:

• call 1-877-822-0116 after speaking with your private insurance provider.