Drainage and Flooding

As snow melts, and throughout the spring and summer, we will:

• Clear open drainage channels;
• Clear storm water detention area intakes;
• Ensure culverts are open;
• Open catch-basins (where the storm water runs into);
• Flush storm piping; and
• Pump water from City owned vacant lots into the storm system.

• Grade your property so that water does not pond 
  • While some newer neighborhoods have City-approved grading plans, most do not. 
• Install a basement sump pump (many residents have eliminated basement seepage by installing a second sump pump) 
• Switch your basement sump to pump outside during the spring, summer and fall. 
  • All new sump pumps must be directed outside except in the winter. It is common for new pumps to have a diverter switch that allows homeowners to pump outside during summer an into the sewer during winter.
• Clear any snow or debris such as leaves and garbage out of the catch-basins.
• Shovel snow from around your home and moving it so that it will melt and drain away from your house and its foundation
• Create channels in the ice and snow to allow the melt water to drain away
• Making sure to extend downspouts at least two meters away from your home so rain or meltwater drains away from your foundation
• Checking your basement regularly for signs of water and consider installing a water-sensing alarm

Owners are responsible to ensure that melt water and storm water does not pond on their property, and also that water is not directed at their neighbors. If you change the grade of your property or install a pump, direct water to the street, or to a lane or park where it will have the smallest impact on your neighbors and other residents. 

Sump Pumps

You should check to make sure your sump pump is working. If you don't have a sump pump, consider installing one. Contact a plumber for help if you need it.

Sewer Backwater Valve

If you don't have a mainline sewer backwater valve, consider installing one to protect against sewer backup. If you have one, be sure you check it and clean regularly to make sure that it is in good working order.