Flooding Prevention & Response

Flood Recovery: Your Questions Answered

• What is the Town doing in response to these flooding events?

  Since the first storm, Town Staff have been working tirelessly to protect public safety, respond to residents’ concerns, and begin recovery efforts. Following the second storm, the Town's Emergency Control Group was reactivated to coordinate the municipal response. 

  Some of the actions taken include: 

  • Operating emergency pumping equipment to help manage wastewater surcharging 

  • Reviewing and working to respond to nearly 200 flooding-related service requests  

  • Inspecting roads, bridges, culverts, storm sewers, and other municipal infrastructure  

  • Coordinating debris management and enhanced waste collection with Niagara Region  

  • Opening municipal facilities to provide residents with access to showers and washrooms where needed  

  • Working closely with Niagara Region, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, emergency services, NOTL Hydro, neighbouring municipalities, and provincial ministries  

  • Providing regular public updates through the Town's website, social media channels, and Council updates  

  • Continuing to assess impacts on residents, businesses, agriculture, and municipal infrastructure to support recovery planning  

  Recovery will take time, but Town Staff remain committed to restoring services and supporting our community as quickly as possible.

• Why hasn't the Town declared a State of Emergency?

  A State of Emergency is a legal tool that allows municipalities to use extraordinary powers when they are needed to protect public safety. 

  While these storms had a significant impact on our community, the Town has been able to respond using its existing emergency plans, Staff, resources, and partnerships. 

  Declaring a State of Emergency does not automatically provide funding, financial assistance, or additional resources. Provincial guidance confirms that these programs are separate from an emergency declaration. 

  The Town did declare a Significant Weather Event following the first flood on July 28. This declaration recognizes the impacts of the storm and supports the Town's ongoing response and recovery efforts.

• What is the Town doing to prepare for future flooding?

  While recovery remains the immediate priority, the Town is also focused on strengthening our resilience to future flooding. 

  Current and ongoing work includes: 

  • Inspecting and maintaining stormwater infrastructure, including catch basins, culverts, and municipal drains  

  • Continuing investments in stormwater infrastructure improvements identified through the Town's capital program  

  • Reviewing the impacts of these storms to identify opportunities for future improvements  

  • Working with Niagara Region, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, neighbouring municipalities, and provincial partners to better understand regional drainage and watershed impacts  

  • Exploring additional funding opportunities that could support future flood mitigation projects  

  The Town recognizes that extreme weather events are becoming more frequent. Staff will continue working with all levels of government and community partners to identify practical, long-term solutions that help reduce flood risk and strengthen our community's resilience.

• Will there be financial assistance for residents impacted by flooding?

  The Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake is actively pursuing provincial disaster assistance as our community moves from emergency response into long-term recovery following the recent flooding.

  Town Staff are working directly with the Province of Ontario to advance all available funding opportunities for the municipality, residents, and eligible small businesses. This work includes compiling damage assessments, documenting extraordinary response and recovery costs, and using flood-related reports submitted through the Town’s online service request system to support potential claims and demonstrate the extent of the community’s needs.

  Residents can learn more about the programs on the Province of Ontario’s website:

  1. Municipal Disaster Recovery Assistance (MDRA)
  2. Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO)

  Read the statement from the Town for more information.

• Why is the Town working with the Province?

  Recovery from a significant weather event requires collaboration across all levels of government. Town Staff have met with representatives from the Ministry of Municipal Affairs and Housing and the Ministry of Agriculture, Food and Agribusiness to discuss the impacts of the flooding, available recovery programs, and opportunities for provincial support. 

  The Lord Mayor has also written to provincial ministers outlining the impacts on residents, businesses, municipal infrastructure, and the agricultural community and requesting continued provincial assistance. 

  The Town will continue working with the Province, Niagara Region, the Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority, NOTL Hydro, neighbouring municipalities, and other partners throughout the recovery process. 

• Is there enhanced garbage collection?

  Yes. Additional waste collection and disposal options are available to help Niagara-on-the-Lake residents dispose of waste resulting from recent flooding.

  Bagged flood-related garbage – August 10 to 14
  Although August 10 to 14 is normally an off week for regular garbage collection in Niagara-on-the-Lake, residents may place up to five bags/cans of flood-related waste per household at the curb on their regularly scheduled collection day. Regular recycling and organics collection will continue as scheduled. The additional garbage collection during this week is for flood-related waste only. Regular household garbage will not be collected.

  During the following week's regularly scheduled garbage collection, residents may set out an additional three bags/cans above the normal collection limit, for a maximum of five bags/cans per household.

  Temporary Flood Waste Transfer Station
  The temporary flood waste transfer station at the Town Operations Yard (1565 Four Mile Creek Road) has been extended. The station accepts flood-related construction, demolition and renovation material only and will be open:

  • Saturday, August 8: 9:00 a.m. to 3:00 p.m.
  • August 9 to 11: Closed
  • August 12 to 14: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

  Waste will only be accepted while Town Staff are present. Pick read the Town's recent News Release for more information on the Transfer Station: Niagara-on-the-Lake Establishes Temporary Flood Waste Transfer Station | Town of Niagara-on-the-Lake

  Large flood-related items and piles
  Residents with large items or large piles of waste resulting from the flood will be able to register for a special curbside pickup. Registration will open Tuesday, August 11, and close at noon on Friday, August 14. Following registration, the Town will work with Miller Waste Systems to arrange one collection of registered large flood-related items and piles the following week. This service is for flood-related waste only and is not a general large-item or bulk waste collection.

  More information about how to register will be available Monday, August 10.

• How can I report flooding or storm damage?

  If your residential, agricultural, or business property was impacted by flooding, please report it to the Town, even if you do not require immediate assistance. 

  To submit a service request: 

  1. Visit the Town's Flooding Prevention & Response webpage and select the appropriate option to identify if you are reporting a general, business-related or agricultural-related flooding issue.  

  2. Select the flooded location on the map.  

  3. Complete the online form with as much detail as possible. 

  4. Once your request has been submitted, you will receive a tracking number by email confirming it has been received. 

  5. Your service request will automatically be routed to the appropriate Town staff for review and follow-up. 

  You will receive updates on your request by email as they become available. If you have questions or would like an update, please reference your tracking number when contacting the Town. Please note that Town staff are currently reviewing and responding to nearly 200 flood-related service requests. As a result, response times are longer than usual. We appreciate your patience and understanding as we work to support all affected residents.   

  If you are unable to submit a request online or need assistance, please contact the Town at 905-468-3266 ext. 0, and one of our friendly Customer Experience Representatives will be happy to help. 

• Why is it important to report flooding impacts to the Town?

  These reports help staff understand where flooding occurred, identify trends and recurring problem areas across the municipality, support future infrastructure planning, and strengthen discussions with provincial and federal partners regarding recovery efforts and potential funding opportunities. 

• Why did some areas experience flooding while others did not?

  Many factors, including the amount and intensity of rainfall, ground saturation, local drainage patterns, elevation, nearby watercourses, and the capacity of stormwater infrastructure, influence flooding. 

  The recent storms brought exceptionally heavy rainfall to parts of Niagara-on-the-Lake in a very short period of time. Some neighbourhoods received significantly more rainfall than others, which resulted in varying levels of flooding across the community. 

  No two storm events are the same, and the causes of flooding can differ from one property or neighbourhood to another. As Staff continue to assess the impacts, this information will help improve our understanding of how these systems performed during the storm. 

• Will the Town investigate what happened?

  Yes. Once the immediate response and recovery efforts are complete, Town Staff will undertake a comprehensive review of these storm events. 

  This review will include: 

  • How municipal infrastructure performed during the storms  

  • Areas where flooding occurred and potential contributing factors  

  • The Town's emergency response and recovery efforts  

  • Opportunities to improve infrastructure, operations, emergency planning, and public communication  

  • Input from partner agencies, neighbouring municipalities, and provincial ministries  

  The information gathered through this review will help inform future planning, identify priorities for infrastructure investment, and strengthen the Town's preparedness for future significant weather events.

• Will my flood-related building permit fees be reimbursed?

  At this time, there has been no confirmation that building permit fees will be eligible for reimbursement under any provincial or other disaster assistance program.

  Residents are encouraged to proceed with submitting any required building permit applications and paying the applicable permit fees to avoid delaying repairs and to ensure work complies with the Ontario Building Code.

  The Town is actively exploring available recovery and disaster relief funding opportunities. Staff are tracking all flood-related building permits and maintaining records should reimbursement opportunities become available in the future.

  While reimbursement cannot be guaranteed, maintaining accurate records will position both the Town and residents to respond quickly should funding become available. If external funding is not approved, Staff will consider other potential options and provide updates as information becomes available.

  The Town will continue to communicate any new information through its website, and Building Staff are available to answer questions regarding permit requirements and the application process.

• How To Prepare

  Fact Sheet - Flooding in Ontario

  Taking proactive steps to safeguard your property from potential flooding and water-related issues is essential. Here are some more tips to get your property ready for those large rainstorms:

  • Inspect and Clear Catch Basins: Take a stroll around your property and locate all the catch basins. Remove any debris, leaves, or dirt that might obstruct the flow of water. Ensure they are free from clogs, allowing rainwater to drain smoothly.
  • Gutters and Downspouts Maintenance: Clean out gutters and downspouts regularly to prevent blockages. This will help channel water away from your property, preventing water accumulation near your home's foundation.
  • Install Rain Barrels: Consider setting up rain barrels to capture rainwater runoff. This not only helps in flood prevention, but also provides a sustainable water source for your garden during drier periods.
  • Secure Outdoor Furniture and Belongings: Strong winds can accompany rainstorms, so secure or bring inside any outdoor furniture, toys, or equipment that might be prone to damage or blowing away.
  • Inspect Basement and Foundation: Take a look at your basement and foundation for any cracks or vulnerabilities. Seal any gaps to prevent water seepage during heavy rains.
  • Trim Trees and Branches: Trim overhanging tree branches to prevent them from falling or causing damage to your property during storms.
  • Emergency Kit Preparation: As part of your rainstorm preparedness, assemble an emergency kit that includes essential items such as flashlights, batteries, first aid supplies, and non-perishable food.
  • Stay Informed: Keep an eye on weather forecasts and stay informed about potential storm warnings. Being aware of approaching storms lets you take necessary precautions well in advance.

  By taking proactive measures, you can minimize the risks of water-related damage during large rainstorms. Remember, a little preparation goes a long way in protecting your property and ensuring the safety of your loved ones.

  Stay safe and dry, everyone!

• How a Storm Pond Works

  Image

  

  Stormwater Systems - Infographic (pdf)