Flooding Prevention & Response

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.

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:

• August 12 to 14: 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m.

Waste will only be accepted while Town Staff are present. Please read the Town's recent news ewlease 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

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. 

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.

• 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.

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!

• 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