A national pilot project will allow some Saskatoon homeowners to receive a discounted flood risk assessment – and in some cases it will even be free.
The Home Flood Protection Program will provide homeowners with a 50-point visual assessment of their property at a reduced rate of $125.
Up to 100 homes in high-risk flood areas will receive the assessment for free. Those homes will be identified with a door hanger.
The assessment, carried out by a national environmental consulting agency, normally costs $450.
Homeowners taking part will receive a list of actions they can then take to reduce the risk of flooding.
Cheryl Evans, the director of the Home Flood Protection Program, said it comes at an important time.
“The frequency and severity of extreme weather due to climate change is increasing and exposes many homes to possible basement flooding,” Evans said in a statement.
The Insurance Bureau of Canada estimates it costs an average of $43,000 to restore a flooded basement.
City council approved funding for the program following feedback they received from people impacted by flooding during intense rain events last July and August.
Homeowners interested in participating in the pilot project, which is sponsored by the City of Saskatoon and SGI Canada, can register online or contact the Home Flood Protection Program at 1-877-876-9235.