Flooding

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

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's specifications for components to be installed

Building Permit Fee Grant Waiver Form

Submit Your Application

Questions or need help? Call 905-873-2600 Ext. 2925 or email [email protected]

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 [email protected]:

• Please 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 the local conservation authorities to learn if your property is in a flood prone area

• Contact your insurance company to understand your policy and flooding coverage

• Use water resistant building materials

• Add weather protection sealant and flood barriers around basement windows and base of ground-level doors

• Check your roof and eaves regularly to ensure there isn’t any damage and runoff is unobstructed 

• Check your lot grading to ensure water drains away from basement walls

• Ensure downspouts extend away from your basement wall and other neighbouring properties 

• If there is a flood warning in effect, shut off electricity to areas that are at risk of flooding.

• Move furniture, valuables, important documents, and electronics to areas in your home that are least likely to be affected by flooding.

Conservation Halton's role:

• Regulating development through planning and permitting

• Flood forecasting and warning
• Floodplain mapping
• Public education

Important Resources:

• Flood Status

Credit Valley Conservation's role:

• Regulating development through planning and permitting

• Flood forecasting and warning
• Floodplain mapping
• Public education

Important resources:

• PEASI Alertable App
• Flood Status/Watch

Halton Region's role:

• Emergency preparedness

• Emergency Alerts

• Public education

Important Resources:

Information:

• Emergency Preparedness for Rural Communities

• Flooding Prevention & Recovery

• Planning for Emergencies

Programs/Subsidies:

• Downspout Disconnection Program

• Weeping Tile Disconnection and Sump Pump Installation Subsidy

• Backwater Valve Installation Subsidy

• Sewer Lateral (pipe) Lining and Repair Subsidy

• Taking Action - Wastewater (Sewage) Backups in Homes

• Guide to Flooding Prevention and Recovery Print Order Form

The Government of Ontario's role:

• Ministry of Natural Resources & Forestry
  • Response coordination for large events

Important Resources

• Ontario's Flooding Strategy

The Town of Halton Hills has recently undertaken a Stormwater Management (SWM) Master Plan. 

The SWM Master Plan will identify constraints and opportunities related to managing the Town’s stormwater system and address issues before stormwater assets fail or are otherwise unable to fulfill their intended purpose.

The Town is seeking input from the public and key stakeholders to help guide the SWM Master Plan. Learn more and stay up to date on the Let's Talk Halton Hills project page.

The Town of Halton Hills' role:

• Emergency preparedness

• Emergency response to safeguard people and property

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

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.

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.

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.

• 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.

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.

• 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.