Welland offers homeowners up to $3,000 if they faced municipal sewer backup
Published November 5, 2021 at 11:46 am
Welland is hoping to take some of the financial burden off homeowners who have had to deal with the messy business of municipal sewer backup.
On Tuesday (November 2), Welland City Council passed a motion that residents can apply for a “compassionate grant” of up to $3,000 to help cover the cost that resulted in “storm events.”
One of the conditions of accepting the funds is that homeowners not consider it as perceived liability against
the City.
“It can be difficult to understand the impact of these weather events on your home until you’ve
experienced it,” said Welland CAO Steve Zorbas.
“We hope this policy gives some peace of mind to homeowners and also shows that we’re listening to residents about the challenges they’re facing, especially when it comes to those with financial impacts.”
To qualify, the property owner must satisfy a list of conditions, including, but not limited to:
• Proof of two or more sewer backups that are related to sewer surcharging as a result of
significant rainfall.
• The first backup occurring after January 1, 2017, and the second occurring after July 1,
2021, with a five-year cycle
• Owned the home during both backups
• The property must have insurance coverage with a sewer backup rider and must disconnect
from the storm sewer system
• If the property does not have sewer backup coverage, they must show proof that the
coverage was denied (ex. letter from insurance company)
• Claims must be submitted within five months of the second event
• Water overland flow damage is not eligible
• Property taxes must be paid in full, or be on the City’s PAP program
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The City said in addition to the compassionate grant, the City also offers a Sewage Water Alleviation Program, which provides funding for the installation of devices that provide basement flooding protection.
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