Winnipeg homeowners will be offered subsidized sump pumps

WINNIPEG – Winnipeg homeowners can benefit from up to $3000 in provincial and municipal subsidies to purchase and install sump pumps and backwater valves.

Premier Greg Selinger and Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz revealed details of the plan Tuesday afternoon at B.A. Robinson – The Pump Shop, 1760 Ellice Ave.

The move is meant to protect Winnipeg homes from basement flooding – a greater concern than after officials revealed yesterday that spring flooding this year could rival the "Flood of the Century" in 1997.

"The subsidy program will pay up to 60 per cent of the cost of installing a sewer/drainage backup system to a maximum of $3,000 per household (up to $1,000 toward the installation of an approved in-line backwater valve and up to $2,000 toward the installation of a sump pump and pit drainage system)," according to a joint release from the city and province Tuesday.

"Homeowners must hire a plumber currently licensed by the City of Winnipeg to perform the eligible labour, ensure that appropriate permits are obtained and arrange for the necessary inspection of the work. New home construction will not be eligible as sump pumps and backwater valves are required under the building code," the release says.

While Winnipeg is protected from most flood-related damage by the Red River Floodway, river levels within the city will still be high enough to interfere with drainage from storm sewers. This can lead to sewer back-up into basements.