Flood-fight subsidy is official

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This article was published 24/02/2011 (5489 days ago), so information in it may no longer be current.

The rush is on to snag a limited number of subsidies for sump pumps.

On Wednesday afternoon, city council unanimously approved a plan to offer a 60 per cent rebate on backwater valves and sump pump pits for homeowners. The $1 million in subsidies will likely cover between 330 and 1,000 properties, since it can cost anywhere from $2,500 to $9,000 to install the protective devices. Homeowners who installed the flood-proofing after May 2010 are eligible and the 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.

It’s unclear how quickly the subsidies will run out, but Mayor Sam Katz said the city can talk to the province about renewing the joint rebate program next year if there is enough public demand.

Application forms are available online at winnipeg.ca, or by phoning 311.

“People can start to apply and if there’s as positive a response as we believe there will be then we can assess it and we can possibly continue it for the following year,” Katz said. “I think we’ve seen so far citizens are concerned and will be taking advantage of it.”

Local contractors have expressed concern there is a shortage of qualified tradespeople to do the work, and some Winnipeggers won’t be able to get the installations done before the spring melt.

Basement Systems Winnipeg owner Anthony Malanchuk said his phone started ringing as soon as council approved the rebate program Wednesday, adding he booked four requests to install backwater valves and sump-pump pits within one hour. Malanchuk said hundreds of people phoned for estimates when the rebate program was first announced, and were “sitting on the fence” until council gave it the formal go-ahead.

Malanchuk said Winnipeggers who have not yet had a formal estimate to see how much it will cost to install a backwater valve or sump pump pit could be out of luck. He said contractors are booked up until the end of March, leaving little time to squeeze new clients in before the snow melts.

“We have been going crazy,” Malanchuk said.

“We’re not going to get them all installed before the flood happens. There’s only a few spots available.”

To qualify for a subsidy, the appropriate contractor — a licensed plumber, electrician or building contractor — must take out the required permits and install the devices. A city inspector has to inspect and approve the installations.

Homeowners need to submit their application and their original receipts within one year of the date of final inspection. They may not have any outstanding taxes or debts owed to the City of Winnipeg at the time their application is processed.

Linda Pearn decided to flood-proof her basement before the subsidy program was unveiled. Water has been seeping into her basement every time it rains and she said she wants to make sure her home is protected before spring.

Pearn said she plans to apply for a rebate, but will be happy with the outcome either way.

“If you get a rebate that’s the icing on the cake,” she said. “It’s just part of maintaining a home.”

jen.skerritt@freepress.mb.ca

Where there’s smoke, there’s ire

 

Other significant moves made by city council on Wednesday:

 

 

 

 

 

Outdoor smoking ban:

Council voted unanimously to wait another month before moving forward on an outdoor smoking ban to allow the province to state its position in writing. The province has told the city it has no interest in enacting legislation of its own.

 

 

Hydro settlement:

Council voted unanimously to settle the city’s tax dispute with Manitoba Hydro. The city will drop a $10.6-million lawsuit against the Crown corporation in exchange for $5.3 million and a pledge to figure out a means of resolving the ambiguity over collecting taxes on gas and electricity sales.

Downtown parking study: Council voted 10-6 to quash a motion by Fort Rouge Coun. Jenny Gerbasi to release a draft of the Winnipeg Parking Authority’s downtown parking strategy. Mayor Sam Katz said a completed version will come to council in March.

 

 

Alexander Docks redevelopment:

Council voted unanimously to approve a boutique hotel lease on vacant city property along Waterfront Drive.

 

 

 

 

 

South End Water Pollution Control Centre:

Council voted unanimously to amend the way it measures effluent from a South End sewage plant to save $60 million on an upgrade.

 

— Bartley Kives