The Canadian Red Cross is committed to supporting communities impacted by the 2021 British Columbia Floods and Extreme Weather Event, both in their recovery from the event and in increasing their resilience to future events.
The Canadian Red Cross recognizes that mitigation measures can be powerful tools for protecting against future events. The Residential Mitigation Incentive Program provides financial incentives for people living in eligible areas who are interested in undertaking mitigative actions to make their homes more resilient to future flood events.
Residential Maintenance
Eligible applicants may receive up to $750 for the Residential Maintenance activities listed below. These are simple tasks that most people can take on themselves or with some extra help. They will help reduce the risk and impact to your home from flood events.
Residential Maintenance Activities:
Interior activities:
- Raise personal belongings onto shelves and/or into waterproof containers
- Raise appliances, mechanical equipment, and electronics off the floor (especially for basements)
- Remove items from around floor drains
- Clean out existing backwater valve to ensure it is working properly
- Test sump pump to ensure it is working properly
Exterior activities:
- Remove leaves and other debris from eavestroughs
- Seal any openings in exterior walls where water may enter inside home
- Purchase dam bags or similar items
Other:
- Preparing an emergency preparedness kit in case of an evacuation
Residential Mitigation
Eligible applicants who are interested in taking on a more impactful mitigation project may be eligible to receive up to an additional $4,250 in reimbursement for expenses related to any of the Residential Mitigation activities listed below.
These are tasks that will require a bit more planning and more time to complete. They will help reduce the risk and impact to your home from flood events. You may need help from a contractor or a professional to ensure these projects are done properly.
To be eligible for reimbursement, you will need to provide the Red Cross with photos of before and after the work was completed, as well as receipts/invoices for the work completed. Note that activities completed before January 16, 2024, are not eligible for reimbursement.
Residential Mitigation Activities
Sump pump:
- Install sump pump and alarm
- Replace existing sump pump
- Install backup sump pump and battery
- Extend sump pump discharge pipe to direct water at least 2m away from foundation
Backwater valve:
- Install backwater valve and alarm
- Install alarm on existing backwater valve
Windows and exterior:
- Replace at or below grade windows and/or exterior doors
- Replace/Install eavestroughs and downspouts
- Disconnect downspouts from foundation drain (deposits into underground storm or sanitary sewer)
- Install downspout extensions to direct water at least 2m away from foundation
Other:
- Install flood alarms
OR
- None of the listed activities interest me
Eligibility Criteria
The Residential Mitigation Incentive program is available to those who:
Are a resident of British Columbia and have a primary residence that is in a community that was impacted by the November 2021 flooding and extreme weather event
- Are a homeowner, a tenant, or live in a community-owned home
- Have a primary residence that was not damaged or incurred minor damage due to the 2021 British Columbia Floods and Extreme Weather event
Application period
Applications will be accepted between January 16, 2024, and April 30, 2024.
APPLY NOW
Applications will be reviewed as they are received. Please note that there are limited funds available for this program. Eligible residents are encouraged to apply as soon as possible. Should there be additional funding available the Red Cross may offer similar programs.
If you have questions about the Residential Mitigation Incentive Program or need assistance registering, please contact us at bcfloodmitigation@redcross.ca or by calling us by 1-833-966-4225 from Monday to Friday between 9 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PT.
How does the program work?
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Click on the “Apply Now” button:
APPLY NOW
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Create an account on the SM Apply platform OR please call us at 1-833-966-4225 from Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PT. We can take your information and have a Canadian Red Cross representative call you back to help.
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Fill out the application online and ensure to submit it.
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Once the mitigative activities are completed, please fill out the online report in your SM apply account and submit it.
To successfully complete your report and be reimbursed, you will need to:
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Keep your receipts and invoices for all the funds spent on the project, as they will need to be submitted with your report.
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Provide before and after photos of your home once you complete the mitigation activity for each activity you applied for. These photos will help us verify that the mitigation activity was completed according to program requirements.
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Submit other required documents as requested. The Canadian Red Cross reserves the right to request additional documents.
You can access the online application form by clicking here.
If you need help completing your application, please call 1-833-966-4225 Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PT. We can take your information and have a Canadian Red Cross representative call you back to provide support. You can also email us at bcfloodmitigation@redcross.ca to request assistance.
Applicant Resources:
Need help?
For questions or assistance, you can reach the Canadian Red Cross by calling 1-833-966-4225 from Monday to Friday between 9:00 a.m. to 6:30 p.m. PT, or by emailing bcfloodmitigation@redcross.ca
FRAUD ALERT: Unfortunately, there are some people who may try to take advantage of those impacted by a disaster through fraudulent tactics. The Canadian Red Cross will never ask for your banking information, social insurance number or credit card number in order to register. The Canadian Red Cross communicates only via email, phone, or in-person and would never send a link through a text message to register. The Red Cross encourages people to stay informed from credible sources, such as the Government of Canada’s website for fraud prevention tips. If you suspect you have been a victim of fraudulent activity, please contact your local police authority.