Flooding Prevention & Response

Report a General Flooding Issue Report a Business-Related Flooding Issue Report an Agricultural-Related Flooding Issue Property Flooding - What to Do Next Flood Recovery: Your Questions Answered

The Town recognizes the significant impact recent flooding has had on residents, businesses and the community. We know that recovering from a flood can be challenging, and we are committed to supporting those affected as cleanup and recovery efforts continue.

This page provides current information, resources and services available to help you navigate the recovery process. Please check back regularly as information will continue to be updated. If you have questions that are not addressed on this page, or if the Town can provide additional assistance, please let us know. Town Staff are here to help and can be reached by email at info@notl.com or by phone at 905-468-3266.

Recent Flooding News

Flood Recovery: Your Questions Answered

Our community has experienced two significant rainfall events in less than one week, and we recognize the impact this has had on many residents, businesses, and the agricultural community.

Town Staff continue to work around the clock to respond to the impacts of these storms and support recovery efforts. Below are answers to some of the questions we've received most often. As recovery continues and new information becomes available, this page will be updated.

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.
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.
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.
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.
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.
All enhanced garbage collection efforts are now complete.
To support residents with cleanup following the recent flooding, the Town worked with Niagara Region and its waste collection partners to provide additional waste collection and disposal options.
- From August 10 to 14, residents were able to place up to five bags or cans of flood-related waste at the curb on their regularly scheduled collection day, despite it normally being an off week for garbage collection.
- From August 17 to 21, residents could set out up to three additional bags or cans above the regular collection limit on their regularly scheduled pickup day.
- The Town also established and later extended a temporary Flood Waste Transfer Station at the Town Operations Yard, providing residents with a dedicated location to dispose of flood-related construction, demolition and renovation materials.
- For households dealing with larger quantities of damaged materials, the Town coordinated a special curbside collection for large flood-related items and piles. Residents were invited to register for the service, with the Town working directly with its waste collection partners to coordinate pickup.
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:
Select the appropriate option at the top of this webpage to identify if you are reporting a general, business-related or agricultural-related flooding issue. 
Select the flooded location on the map. 
Complete the online form with as much detail as possible.
Once your request has been submitted, you will receive a tracking number by email confirming it has been received.
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.
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.
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.
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.
Please see below for mental health resources in the Niagara Region.
- Niagara Health, Mental Health and Addictions Access Line: 1-866-550-5205 or visit Niagara Health's website.
- COAST Niagara: 1-866-550-5205, option/ext. 1
- Distress Centre Niagara: Free, confidential, 24/7 emotional and suicide-prevention support:
  St. Catharines/Niagara Falls area: 905-688-3711
  Pathstone Mental Health crisis service: 1-800-263-4944, for children and youth up to 18 years of age.
- Pathstone Walk-in Clinics: Free counselling without an appointment or referral at several Niagara locations. This can address anxiety, sleep disruption, fear of rain, school problems, grief or family stress after flooding. Confirm the current clinic location and hours through Pathstone Mental Health.
- The Ministry has mental health resources available for farmers who need them. Mental Health support is available 24/7 through Ontario 211 and the Ontario Mental Health Helpline at 1-866-531-2600.

How to Help Protect Your Home from Flooding

Taking steps to prevent or reduce water damage can protect your home, no matter your flood risk. Here are some actions you can take:

- Store important documents and valuables in a waterproof container.
- Keep basement floor drains clear and free from obstructions.
- Reduce water use during and right after heavy rainfall.
- Install a plastic cover over window wells to help keep water out.
- Disconnect downspouts if they drain directly into the public sewer system.
- Seal basement windows to prevent leaks.
- Install a sump pump with a backup power source.
- Install a backwater valve and have it cleaned twice a year (spring and fall).
- Ensure the ground around your home slopes away from your foundation for at least 2 meters (6 feet).
Taking these precautions can help protect your home from water damage and reduce the risk of flooding. For more information, please read the Flooding Prevention Infographic linked below.
Flooding Prevention - Infographic
Basement flooding can occur for several reasons, particularly during periods of heavy rainfall, saturated ground conditions or power outages. Understanding where the water is coming from can help determine the appropriate next steps.
- Infiltration Flooding: Infiltration flooding can occur when the ground surrounding a home becomes saturated, or the groundwater level rises above the basement floor. Water may enter through cracks in foundation walls or floors. This type of flooding may also occur during a power outage if a home relies on a sump pump without a backup power system.
- Overland Flooding: Overland flooding occurs when excess rainwater flows across the ground and enters a basement through exposed window wells, vents, doors or other openings.
- Sewer Backup Flooding: Sewer backup flooding can occur when the wastewater system becomes overwhelmed during an intense weather event. Excess inflow and infiltration may cause wastewater levels in the sewer to rise and back up into a home. Blockages in a private sewer lateral or the municipal sewer main may also cause a backup. Common causes of sewer blockages include tree roots, fats, oils and grease, and debris or other materials entering the sewer system.
If your basement floods:
1. Contact your insurance company as soon as possible to begin the claims process.
2. Avoid contact with floodwater, particularly if it may contain sewage or electrical hazards.
3. Remove water safely using a pump, shop vacuum or other appropriate equipment when it is safe to do so.
4. Document the damage by taking photos and recording where the water entered, when the flooding began, and how much water accumulated.
5. Submit a Service Request to the Town to report the flooding and provide as much information as possible. When submitting a service request, please include, where possible:
- Where the water appears to be coming from
- When the flooding started
- Approximately how much water entered the basement
- The colour of the water
- Whether the water has an odour
- Photos or videos
- Exercise caution while travelling
- Do not drive through standing water, as road conditions may be unsafe, and hydroplaning can occur with little warning
- Stay away from flooded creeks, culverts, and drainage channels, as fast-moving water can be extremely dangerous
- Well and Cistern Maintenance for Residential Settings - Includes details about disinfection and testing
- Flood Guidance from the Province
- Niagara Region Public Health and Emergency Services Instagram - Follow to stay informed

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!