City residents who often deal with basement flooding during heavy rainfalls could soon have access to financial help from the municipality.
Sarnia councillors will consider implementing a flooding mitigation subsidy program when they meet on Monday.
Mayor Mike Bradley said over the last several years the city has spent upwards of $100-million on sewer separation, particularly in the south end.
"It's been a massive investment and it's had a great deal of success but there are parts of certain neighbourhoods, certain streets that hasn't had the success we envisioned," said Bradley. "So this is more specific to those properties and people who can longer get insurance. And it's the responsibility of the city to try and protect people when there's a major storm."
There were two such incidents in 2020, with over 40 flooding complaints made to the city.
City staff estimate the subsidy program may require $300,000 in its first year, and that it could potentially be maintained by $50,000 in subsequent years.
Council's virtual meeting Monday begins at 10 a.m.
