Burlington has most recently experienced flooding that has impacted many residents. The office of MPP Pierre has heard from many of you and want to ensure that you have up to date information that may support residents through this difficult time. MPP Pierre will be working across the various Ministries to support Burlington. The Provincial Disaster Recovery Team will be visiting Burlington on August 1, 2024, to assess the situation and determine the next steps to help Burlington Residents.
For any questions, concerns, or further information, please reach out to the office of Natalie Pierre, MPP for Burlington, via email at natalie@nataliepierrempp.ca or by phone at 905-639-7924.
UPDATED AUG 28
Financial Support:
- Halton Region has a $1,000 Ex Gratia Grant for Public Sewer Backup, which can help eligible residents to offset the cost of an insurance deductible or help with flooding-related costs that are not otherwise covered under their home insurance policy.
- The City of Burlington has also announced an Ex-Gratia Grant, which will provide $1,000 to residents with confirmed residential flooding that are not eligible for the Halton Region Ex Gratia Grant for Public Sewer Backup.
- To be assessed for eligibility for the applicable grant, residents must report home flooding to Halton Region at 311. If this has not already been done, it must be done immediately.
- Officials from the 407 ETR have also publicly indicated residents impacted by the 407-culvert blockage would be entitled to $2000.
- Residents can keep up to date through halton.ca/flood or email accesshalton@halton.ca to get answers to Frequently Asked Questions, or find information on steps to take if they have had flooding and the Region’s flood prevention subsidy program.
- For up-to-date information from the city of Burlington please visit:
https://www.burlington.ca/en/news/flood-recovery-supports-available-for-affected-residents.aspx
The Provincial Disaster Recovery
On August 1, 2024, a Provincial Disaster Assessment Team (PDAT) deployed to Burlington to assess damage resulting from heavy rain on July 15/16.
The team included ministry staff and an insurance adjuster under contract with the ministry. Staff from the City of Burlington and Halton Region accompanied the team.
The team met with affected residents and assessed damage to their homes and property. The team also spoke with residents to better understand their insurance coverage.
Similar assessments in Brampton, Mississauga, and Toronto are ongoing. Once these are complete, the ministry will assess whether the event meets the criteria for activation of the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program.
Considerations include the amount and type of damage to essential property and the extent to which the damage is covered by insurance
If the program is activated, there will be a public notice and advertisement on the program's website at www.ontario.ca/disasterassistance.
Insurance:
• The Insurance Bureau of Canada has noted insurance companies have been inundated with claims since the July 16 storm and flooding that affected much of Southern Ontario, and they are working hard to help affected customers. Many insurance companies work with a preferred contractor who understands the claims process and work with insurance companies to get the necessary work completed as quickly as possible. With water damage, there is often a period where it might seem like little is happening. This is because the extent of the damage isn’t known until the area affected is dry which can take some time.
If you feel like your insurance adjuster is not responsive, you can reach out to the claims manager and share your concerns.
Insurance Bureau of Canada also has a Consumer Information Centre (CIC) where you can ask questions of seasoned insurance professionals about the claims process and what to expect. Here is a link regarding flooding and insurance https://www.ibc.ca/stay-protected/severe-weather-centre/flooding-and-insurance and here is the contact information for IBC’s CIC: 1-844-227-5422 or via email: ONCIC@ibc.ca
• 407 ETR has been on site every day since the flood and has taken every available measure to ensure that the area does not flood again until permanent repairs to the damaged infrastructure have been completed. the initial estimate is that the berm would remain as is for at least 8 to 10 weeks.
407 ETR has also noted it is temporarily diverting the water around the culvert with the pumps and continued to excavate the area behind the concrete headwall. They have also installed temporary trench boxes for the channel which will safely create a path for rainfall events to flow to 407 ETR’s westbound ditch line if the bypass pumps are unable to keep up with the volume of water.
The operations team is confident that the channel will sufficiently divert excess water that the pumps are unable to manage. 407 ETR continues to clear silt from the large pipe that goes underneath Highway 407 ETR using specialized motorized equipment. We started this work almost two weeks ago and anticipate it will take another week or so to complete this.
The assessment of the culvert has to be understood in the context of other factors upstream prior to and during the extreme weather event. That is why 407ETR are working closely with the City of Burlington.
They are also in close communication with MTO, and they are aware of the situation as it stands.
Flood Prevention Supports:
• Halton Region offers an Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program, with the following subsidies:
• Downspout Disconnection: 100% of all eligible costs to disconnect downspouts from the weeping tile, up to a maximum of $500.
• Weeping Tile Disconnection and Sump Pump Installation: 100% of the combined eligible costs to disconnect weeping tiles and install a sump pump, up to a maximum of $5,000.
• Backwater Valve Installation: 50% of the eligible costs to install a backwater valve inside the home, up to a maximum of $675.
• Sewer Lateral (pipe) Lining and Repair: 50% of the eligible costs to repair or line the sewer lateral (pipe), up to a maximum of $2,000