Homeowners have time to install flood-proofing measures: Katz

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This article was published 02/02/2011 (5403 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

Mayor Sam Katz said there is ample time for Winnipeggers to install backwater valves and sump pumps before the spring melt.

Following this morning’s executive policy committee meeting, Katz brushed off concerns that there may not be enough city plumbers to meet the demand from people who want to flood-proof their home. Katz told reporters the rebate program was not meant to accommodate every single person interested in installing backwater valves or sump pumps, and said anyone can choose to install the devices in their own homes.

“If they’re starting now there should be ample time. We expect there to be a demand at this stage of the game because of the incentive that’s out there,” Katz said. “If you look historically as to when the crest comes it’s usually the third week of April, sometimes into May so if you start getting the work done now I think you could be OK.”

On Tuesday, city council’s public works committee reviewed a plan to offer a 60 per cent rebate on backwater valves and sump-pump pits for between 330 and 1,000 properties. Homeowners who installed the protective devices after May 2010 are eligible and the $1 million in rebates will be offered on a first-come, first-served basis, up to a maximum of $1,000 for backwater valves, $2,000 for sump pumps and pits and $3,000 for both.

Water and waste officials don’t know how many residents took out permits to install the devices in 2010 to estimate how many could be first in line for the retroactive rebates. They said if the subsidy money runs out, council could approve a funding increase or homeowners might have to wait until next year’s budget to get the rebate.

Complicating matters, the city requires three permits and a licensed plumber to sign off on the work, and local contractors and plumbing companies say there aren’t enough qualified tradespeople to do the work.

Some plumbing companies say they are already booking estimates to install valves and pumps into March, leaving little time to get the job done before spring.

Katz said it’s still to early to say how many people want to take advantage of the subsidies.

“We have no idea what that demand will be until it starts, so it’s all speculation at this stage of the game,” he said.

jen.skerritt@freepress.mb.ca