Warwick Township residents, who experienced significant flooding during heavy rainfall in August, may be eligible for municipal funding to help cover costs for backflow.
On August 23, Environment Canada said some parts of southwestern Ontario received over 135 mm of rain within a short time frame. The storm caused some roads to be washed out, and a state of emergency was declared by the municipality.
Those impacted by the flooding can apply for a grant of up to $3,000, under the Sump Pump Disconnect and Backwater Installation Grant Program, to have a backwater valve installed and/or a sump pump disconnected from the sanitary sewer.
Mayor Todd Case said applications from impacted residents, dating back to the day before the storm, will be accepted.
"This is our way of trying to help with the situation," said Case. "I'll be honest with you, we didn't reinvent the wheel with this program. Plympton-Wyoming has it in place now. We looked at it and thought it was a worthy program, and that's why we've adopted it as a council and are offering it to the community."
Case said the township will review and approve each application on a case-by-case basis, providing all requirements of the application are met.
Preference will be given to homes located in high-risk areas of the municipality that have a history of wastewater backups.
"There's been some inquiries already, there's no doubt about that," he said. "There were a lot of people impacted by the weather event that we had, with that much rain falling in such a short time. Council was trying to find a way to offer some assistance, we thought there was some great merit in the program. There were some requests from our citizens as well, and that's what started the conversation."
Case said the municipally-funded grant is separate from the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) funding available through the Province of Ontario.
He said they've filed for more money under the DRAO program and are still awaiting a response.
If their application is approved, additional provincial funding would be made available to qualifying residents.
Those interested in more information, and wanting to apply, can visit the Township of Warwick's Municipal Office at 5280 Nauvoo Road, or give them a call at 226-848-3926.
More information is also posted to the township's website at www.warwicktownship.ca.