January 25, 2011
Province, City of Winnipeg to Offer Incentives to Homeowners to Install Sump Pumps, Backwater Valves: Selinger, Katz
– – –Subsidy of up to 60 Per Cent to Maximum of $3,000 to be Provided Toward Cost of Purchase, Installation
The province and the City of Winnipeg will offer a subsidy to reduce the cost of purchasing and installing sump pumps and backwater valves in homes to protect them from sewer backup in the event of a spring flood, Premier Greg Selinger and Mayor Sam Katz announced today.
“We strongly advise homeowners to take action to protect their properties from the risk of sewer backup,” Selinger said. “There is a risk of damage for unprotected homes but there is still time for homeowners to install sump pumps and backwater valves.”
The subsidy program will pay up to 60 per cent of the cost of installing a sewer/drainage backup system to a maximum of $3,000 per household (up to $1,000 toward the installation of an approved in-line backwater valve and up to $2,000 toward the installation of a sump pump and pit drainage system).
“The city is pleased to play a proactive role in ensuring more homes are better protected in the event of a spring flood,” said Katz. “We hope this incentive will encourage homeowners to take the steps necessary to protect against the devastation of basement flooding and provide a longer-term solution.”
Subject to approval by city council, the program will be retroactive to May 1, 2010, in recognition of last summer’s heavy rainfalls. The annual $1‑million cost of the program will be shared equally by the province and the city.
Homeowners must hire a plumber currently licensed by the City of Winnipeg to perform the eligible labour, ensure that appropriate permits are obtained and arrange for the necessary inspection of the work. New home construction will not be eligible as sump pumps and backwater valves are required under the building code.
The province will contact municipalities outside Winnipeg to discuss the possibility of cost-sharing similar programs.
The province has developed a comprehensive flood plan that outlines the roles of provincial, federal and local authorities as well as non-governmental organizations. All municipalities, which have primary responsibility for emergency response, also have provincially approved emergency plans in place.
For more information on how individual Manitobans can prepare their properties for a possible flood, what to do in case of evacuation and where to get support, visit www.gov.mb.ca/flooding. Individuals can also contact Manitoba Government Inquiry at 1-866-MANITOBA.
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The Province of Manitoba is distributing this release on behalf of the Government of Manitoba and City of Winnipeg.