Flooding

Local Flood Outlook and Updates

During high-wind and rainfall events, local updates on flood risks and problem areas can be found on Essex Region Conservation Authority’s Flood Status page or the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority’s Flood Notices.

Flooding Events

Residents in flood-prone areas throughout the municipality should:

Monitor the Essex Region Conservation Authority’s Flood Status and Watershed Conditions statements and the Lower Thames Valley Conservation Authority’s Flood Notices.
Ensure sump pumps are operating normally.
Clear any yard catch basins from debris and leaves to help water drain efficiently.
Monitor your backwater valve and discontinue the use of water if it is closed.
Avoid using water when possible to reduce pressure on the municipal system, including flushing toilets.
Avoid driving on flooded roads.

If your basement is flooding:

Stop using water within the home, including flushing of toilets and using washing machines.
If your sump pump is overwhelmed and back up pumps are used, please remember to pump storm water out a basement window away from the home or on the driveway and not into the floor drain, laundry tub or other fixtures connected to the sanitary sewer system.
If water starts to reach electrical outlets, baseboard heaters or furnace, or is near the electrical panel, call HydroOne at 1-800-434-1235 to have your power disconnected.
Call the Municipality of Lakeshore Public Works Team at 519-728-2488 ext 601.
Please note, calls outside of regular business hours will continue to be received.

Protecting Your Property

Property owners can take a number of steps to reduce their risk of flooding or mitigate the impact of significant rainfall events:

Grade the property around your home so it slopes away from the home.
Ensure downspouts extend 1.6 meters or more from the home.
Clay/Bentonite plug. Sanitary and storm service pipes are installed in a trench with clear stone to protect the pipes from ground freeze/thaw. A 1m clay/bentonite plug is placed surrounding the pipe within the trench to prevent water from backing up through the trench and moving towards the house.
Homeowners should ensure their sump pump is in good working order and installed properly so that it will pump water during rainfall events. Battery back-ups or water-powered systems can also ensure continued operation during power outages.
Ensure the cap for storm and sanitary cleanouts is on properly and not cracked or damaged. Cracked and damaged caps allow additional storm water and debris to enter into both the sanitary and storm sewers.
If you live in front of roadside catch basins, please help ensure they are kept clean from debris, leaves, etc. so water on roads can drain efficiently.

Learn more about protecting your home with the Government of Canada's Flood Ready Resource page.

What Lakeshore is doing

In August of 2021, the Municipality of Lakeshore initiated the implementation of its Flood Mitigation & Protection Framework (FMPF).

The framework represents a multi-pronged approach to addressing the complex challenges of flooding and climate change. It focuses on both roadway and basement flooding caused by stormwater and sanitary sources. It includes investments in new programs, expanded investigation and by-law enforcement capacity, policy and by-law reviews, as well as staff positions designed to support its implementation.

Read the full Flood Mitigation & Protection Framework online.

How You Can Participate

Local Flooding Survey

The Municipality is asking residents to fill out an online survey to provide location and details related to flooding. The information gathered from this survey will assist the Municipality in collecting data and gaining information on the various affected areas to be able to assess the impact the rainfall has on the systems that supply these areas.
Please click here to complete the survey.

Flood Subsidies

The Municipality of Lakeshore offers the following subsidies to its residents:

Mini-Camera Inspections

If you are experiencing, or suspect a problem with your sanitary or storm services, you may contact the Municipality for assistance identifying the cause. The Municipality will schedule an appointment with a crew to camera inspect your connection(s). This service is provided one-time free of charge to Lakeshore residents. Call 519-728-2488 for the Engineering department and our Clerical Staff will assist you. To prepare for the inspection, please refer to the instructional document here.

Please note: any repair costs to pipes on your property, including any exploratory digging required to determine the cause, will be paid by the home owner.

Sanitary Backwater Preventor

The home’s sanitary drain should be equipped with a functioning backwater valve in the event your private sanitary connection or the Municipality’s sanitary sewer system is temporarily surcharged. The backwater valve connects to the sanitary sewer line in your home and protects you from sanitary waste flooding your basement.

Backflow Preventors must be installed by a licensed plumber to be eligible for this subsidy. The amount of subsidy is 80% of the cost to a maximum of $750. Other requirements can be obtained from the information package and application. Please contact the Municipality of Lakeshore's Building Department at 519-728-2818 or email subsidies@lakeshore.ca for more information. This video shows the benefits of installing a backwater valve and a general idea of how it is installed.

Installation of Sump Pump Overflow

A home is designed to carry rainwater and groundwater into the sump pit. If the sump pump does not have a discharge pipe discharging to an outside landscaped area, the water is being directed into the Municipality's sewer system. This extra water can lead to the Municipality's sewer system becoming surcharged and increase the risk of basement flooding. Installing a sump pump with an overflow to the outside landscaped area reduces the amount of water entering the sewer, reducing the risk of basement flooding to you and your neighbours.

A sump pump overflow (check valve) releases the water in the sump pit onto the lawn or some area away from the building in the event that the private stormwater service is blocked or backing up. The overflow must be installed by a licensed plumber. The subsidy is up to a maximum of $225. Other requirements can be obtained from the information package and application. Please contact the Municipality of Lakeshore's Building Department at 519-728-2818 or email subsidies@lakeshore.ca for more information. This video shows how a sump pump works and the layout of a sump pump overflow.

Downspout Disconnection

Disconnecting your downspouts is an important measure that every property owner should undertake. Disconnecting your downspouts redirects rainwater from your roof onto the grassed around surrounding your home, rather than to your sump pump. It also provides more capacity to both the private connections and municipal sewers to help protect you and your neighbours from basement flooding. Downspout disconnections are subsidized up to $75. Please contact the Municipality of Lakeshore's Building Department at 519-728-2818 or email subsidies@lakeshore.ca for more information, or review the information package and application. This video shows how downspouts are disconnected.

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