Flooding

Apply for a Halton Region Subsidy

Halton Region offers a variety of subsidies to help support residents who complete improvements to their home which will reduce the risk of flooding, or because they have been affected by flooding in the past.

Submit an application for the Building (Plumbing) Permit Fee Grant Program

Apply for a building permit

1. To have your fees waived, apply online for your building permit here.

2. Ensure you read the instructions provided, fill out the required fields, and upload a completed Building Permit Application form.

3. Identify within the description field on the application form that the proposed work is part of the Regional Basement Flood Mitigation (RBFM) program.

4. After submission of your building permit application form, a link will be sent to your email address allowing you to upload all required documentation listed below:

   1. A completed Building Permit Fee Grant Waiver form

   2. A site plan or survey (map of property) identifying the building location

   3. A floor plan identifying the location and type of flood mitigation proposed

   4. Manufacturer specification for components to be installed

Building Permit Fee Grant Waiver Form Submit Your Application

Request a refund

The town has committed to refunding any building permit fee for flood mitigation construction that was subsidized through the Halton Region Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy program in 2024 and 2025.

You are eligible for a refund if you obtained a building permit for the following work that was subsidized by Halton Region:

• Backwater Valve Install
• Sump Pump & Pit
• Sewer Line Replacement, Lining, or Repair

To process your refund, the Town requires the following information to be sent via email to building@haltonhills.ca:

• Fill out the Building Permit Fee Grant Waiver form and attach it to the email 
• Provide your name, address, and building permit number
• Include confirmation from Halton Region of your enrollment in the subsidy program (optional)

The Town will contact Halton Region on your behalf for verification of enrolment in the subsidy program when required.

 Contact Building Services by phone at 905-873-2600 ext. 2925 or email building@haltonhills.ca about the Flood Protection Fee Waiver - Pilot Program. 

FAQs

1. How can I find out if there is a chance of flooding in my area?

   • The Conservation Authorities have the responsibility for providing information on flood alerts. This information is posted on their website and shared with municipalities. Residents can visit the webpages of Conservation Halton, Credit Valley Conservation and the Grand River Conservation Authority to learn more. You can also monitor and/or subscribe to weather alerts with Environment Canada or various other independent weather apps and websites.

2. How does flooding of a home occur?

   • Flooding can occur from many sources, such as:

     • A heavy rainfall or melting snow that pools and penetrates around the foundation of a home, entering through cracks or windows.

     • A blocked drain or sewer backup causes wastewater or stormwater to enter the home.

     • A river breaching its banks due to significant rainfall or ice jams; historically, many properties were built within flood-prone areas (floodplains) that are subject to periodic flooding.

3. What can I do to prepare my home/property against flooding?

   • Halton Region’s Guide to Flooding Prevention & Recovery details a number of actions that residents can take to reduce the risk of a flood, including:

     • Checking for foundation leaks.

     • Improving lot grading.

     • Keeping eaves troughs and downspouts clear of debris.

     • Having a drainage contractor inspect your lateral for tree root blockages.

     • Avoid placing valuables in low areas of homes (basements) that are located in areas prone to flooding.

   • Appendix C of the Town’s Climate Change Adaptation Plan also contains actions you can take to protect your property from flooding.

4. Who can I call if I am experiencing a flood?

   • If the flood is due to rising water levels in a nearby river/stream, call: 311 (Halton Region) and call the Town of Halton Hills Public Works Department at 905 873-2600, ext. 2603. In an emergency, call 911.

   • If the flooding is due to overland flow of stormwater (e.g. blocked culvert, ditch, catch basin, or construction activity) call the Town of Halton Hills Public Works Department at 905-873-2600, ext. 2603.

   • If the flood is due to a wastewater backup, report your flood to Halton Region by calling 311, and Regional staff will advise you of what actions you should take.

   • Call your insurance company as soon as possible and report any damage. They will also advise you on how to proceed.

5. What will happen when I call for help in the event of a flood?

   • Your concerns will be addressed/triaged based on their severity, and recommendations will be provided on which services may be needed. The Town and Halton Region work together to support residents.

   • In the event of basement flooding involving overland flow from Town property and/or the Town stormwater system (e.g. due to blocked culvert, ditch, catch basin, or construction activity), contact the Town of Halton Hills. The Town will respond to assess the situation and take appropriate actions to alleviate the flooding issue and/or mitigate property damage, when possible.

   • In the event of basement flooding involving wastewater (sewage) backups, Halton Region staff will review the property history and contact the homeowner directly to discuss the situation.

   • In the event of basement flooding due to water levels in a nearby river/stream, the Town will coordinate with CVC or Conservation Halton on any options to alleviate the flooding issue and/or mitigate damage to property.

6. Are there any government programs to help me?

   • Halton Region offers a number of flood prevention-related subsidies and programs. For a complete list, visit the Enhanced Basement Flooding Prevention Subsidy Program page on their website.

7. Where can I get more information?

   • Halton Region offers a range of resources to support its residents. Information is available from their website at halton.ca or via the links provided on the Town’s website. Learn more about flooding from Conservation Halton, Credit Valley Conservation and the Grand River Conservation Authority.