HOUSE & HOME
JUST ASK BOB
Bob answers your questions about home
renovations and DIY projects.
Backflow preventer
Dear Bob: My friends just purchased a newly built home and it
includes a sewer back flow preventer. I really want one for my
older home. To qualify for Hamilton’s Rebate Program, must I
have had a basement flood in the past year?
From Tammy – Hamilton
Hi Tammy; this reminds me of the terrible flooding that the
City of Burlington experienced during the storm of August
2014. For them, Halton Region is providing a one-time
Basement Flood Prevention Subsidy, up to a maximum of
$2,725 dollars to assist homeowners. The City of Hamilton
currently offers what is called the “3P Program” which in
many cases pays for the complete cost to have a sewer back
flow valve installed. Originally the program was only for
residents that had experienced a past sewer back up issue, and
then the 3P program was expanded to cover all residences
in Hamilton, regardless of whether previous sewer back up
issues occurred or not.
Originally, the City of Hamilton would pay the full cost to
the certified plumber up front, however now you must pay
your registered plumber directly and then apply to the city
for reimbursement. Please call your municipality for specific
details, as these programs vary from city to city and are also
subject to change at any time based on the city’s reserve funds.
For more information please visit the Halton Region website
(or dial 311) and the City of Hamilton website.
B ob ’s P lum bi ng Tip !
Going away on vacation, or
even just for the weekend?
Turn off the “master shut
off water valve” in the
basement, then flush a
toilet to drain any water
and relieve the pressure in
the system. Should a water Photo courtesy Lowes.com
pipe burst while you’re
water or pressure in the
away, you would then have no
id a possible disaster.
system and therefore you’d avo
26
Check out our new website! www.silvergoldmagazine.ca
Wheelchair Lifts
Dear Bob: We are seniors living on a fixed income and cannot
afford to have a wheelchair lift installed on our front porch. Are
there any programs available that can provide us with assistance?
From Camal – Ancaster
Dear Camal; Yes, in fact there are a few great programs that
can assist you. The first is provided by the Ontario March of
Dimes. The province also offers programs which come and
go, and there may even be some limited programs offered by
your own city’s building department. In all cases it’s up to the
homeowner to inquire individually, so do your searches well!
The March of Dimes
Home & Vehicle
Modification Program
provides funding for
basic home and or
vehicle modifications.
Funding is limited
and consumers
who meet program
criteria can apply for
grant funding up to
$15,000 for home modifications and up to $15,000 every
ten years for vehicle modifications. www.marchofdimes.ca
The Homeowner Ontario Renovates program offers financial
assistance to low-income households, to enable them to repair
their dwellings to a minimum level of health and safety.
Assistance is provided to applicants who meet their criteria
in form of a 10-year forgivable loan. Visit: www.hamilton.
ca/HealthandSocialServices
The Canadian Mortgage and Housing Corporation (CMHC)
offers funding to upgrade existing homes that may be in
need of renovations or accessibility modifications; addresses
the housing needs of victims of family violence, and
provides rent subsidies for individuals and families in need.
www.cmhc-schl.gc.ca/en/co/prfinas
My advice is to take your time and shop for the best contractor
you can hire. They will best advise you to the program that
will fit your needs and budget.