As of Tuesday morning, Windsor residents will be able to enroll in the city's new and improved flooding subsidy program.
Council has agreed to allocate a total of $7.2-million toward the initiative.
The major highlight is a change from 80% coverage to 100%, up to $2,800, for the installation of back flow valves and sump pumps as well as sewer line testing.
Also added are homes with crawl spaces which, in the past, were not eligible.
Mayor Drew Dilkens says, while the program is not an end all solution, it's the best defence for residents to prepare themselves for future flooding events.
"We've only had 7% uptake so far and I think those who have used it, many of whom are saying, "Thank God. I flooded the first time last year. I had the back flow valve put in and it helped me the second time". So we want more people to subscribe to it and we'll worry about finding the money as this fund starts getting expired."
He says the city is looking to speed up the process for residents as well.
"We've added a fast track option for residents now, the carpet it out, the floor is exposed in the basement and they want to get going with getting their lives back together in their home. You can call the contractor, get the building permit, have the contractor come out and do the work and then we'll ensure we get your money back to you."
A map showing reported flooded properties from August storm (Photo courtesy of www.citywindsor.ca)
Dilkens adds, it's hard to say how long the program will be available.
"We've got the money. We'll continue to fund it as long as we can afford to do it with this pool of money. Every year we'll revisit it and see if we need to add more money to the program, but we want as many people as possible to subscribe to this program, get the work done so they give themselves a fighting chance in the event that we have another heavy rainfall like we saw three weeks ago."
Since last month's flooding, the city has received more than 1,500 applications for the program.
For more information head to www.citywindsor.ca.