City of Toronto · BFPSP · Effective May 1, 2026
Toronto Basement Flooding Subsidy — Up to $6,650
The City of Toronto's expanded subsidy covers 80% of eligible costs for backwater valves, sump pumps, and flood prevention work. Independent homeowner guide.
Program facts verified September 4, 2026 against toronto.ca. Programs can change at any time — confirm with the City before signing a contract.
Storm season is here. July's storms flooded 1,900+ basements in Ottawa and drenched the GTA. Toronto pays 80% of flood-protection costs — up to $6,650 — before the next one.
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Safety steps, what to document for insurance, and how to make sure it never happens again — in order.
Toronto basements are flooding more
The severe storms of July 2024 flooded basements across Toronto — the City was left working through a backlog of hundreds of basement-flooding and sewer-backup calls. Aging sewer infrastructure, increased rainfall intensity, and the area’s largely clay soils are commonly cited factors that make Toronto homes especially vulnerable to:
- →Sewer backup: wastewater flowing back into your home during heavy rain
- →Groundwater seepage: water entering through foundation walls or floor — note: the subsidy funds protective devices, not waterproofing for seepage (and gradual seepage is generally uninsurable too)
- →Sump pump failure: during exact moments power outages happen
The City of Toronto expanded BFPSP on May 1, 2026, nearly doubling the maximum subsidy from $3,400 to $6,650 — recognizing that prevention is far cheaper than flood damage.
What the City subsidy may cover
Backwater Valve
Up to $1,600 each (max 2)
Prevents sewage from flowing back into your home during sewer surcharge.
Sump Pump
Up to $2,250
Removes groundwater collected by your weeping tile system.
Sump Pump Battery Backup
Up to $300
Keeps the pump running during power outages — critical during storms.
Home Plumbing Assessment
Up to $500
Identifies internal plumbing issues contributing to flooding.
Foundation Drain Capping
Up to $400
Disconnects foundation drains from City sewer system.
Maximum total
$6,650
Who may qualify
- Property owner in the City of Toronto
- Single-family home, duplex, triplex, or fourplex
- Work done by a City of Toronto licensed contractor
- Downspouts disconnected from City sewer (or exempted)
- No outstanding property tax or City debts
- Application within 2 years of work completion (work on or after Nov 12, 2025)
Why homeowners get rejected
Step 1
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Free Assessment
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Request assessment →Eligible services
Backwater Valve
Read guide →
Sump Pump
Read guide →
Plumbing Assessment
Read guide →
Finding a Contractor
Read guide →
Basement Leak Repair
Read guide →
Sump Pump Installation (Toronto)
Read guide →
How a Backwater Valve Works
Read guide →
Deep dives by upgrade
Backwater valve
Up to $1,600 each (max 2 = $3,200)
Sump pump
Up to $2,550 incl. battery backup
Plumbing assessment
Up to $500
Backwater valve cost
$1,800–$4,800 installed · 80% subsidized up to $1,600/valve
Sump pump cost
$800–$4,200 (replacement to new pit) · 80% subsidized up to $2,250
Insurance coverage
What policies actually cover
Not in Toronto? See every Ontario city program →
Coverage by Toronto neighbourhood
The BFPSP applies to all properties within the City of Toronto. We've prepared neighbourhood-specific guides:
Frequently asked questions
How much is the Toronto basement flooding subsidy?
As of May 1, 2026, up to $6,650 per property — 80% of eligible costs, capped per item: backwater valves ($1,600 each, max 2), sump pump ($2,250), sump pump battery backup ($300), home plumbing assessment ($500), foundation drain capping ($400).
Who qualifies for the BFPSP?
Owners of single-family homes, duplexes, triplexes, and fourplexes within the City of Toronto. Work must be done by a contractor with a valid City of Toronto business licence. Condominiums and apartments are not eligible.
Why do homeowners get rejected?
Top reasons: contractor not licensed by City of Toronto, the required backwater-valve permit or final inspection was not completed, invoice not itemized or not marked paid, application submitted after the 2-year window, downspouts still connected to City sewer.
Ready to start?
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SOURCE & DISCLAIMER
Information from City of Toronto BFPSP page. Program facts verified September 4, 2026 against the City of Toronto BFPSP page (toronto.ca). Programs can change at any time — confirm with the City before signing a contract. ClaimRebate.ca is not affiliated with the City of Toronto. Final eligibility determined by the City. Contractor referrals are independent and unrelated to City of Toronto contractor lists.