Report to/Rapport au :
Planning and Environment Committee
Comité de l’urbanisme et de
l’aménagement
and Council / et au Conseil
28 March 2005/le 28 mars 2005
Submitted by/Soumis par: R.G. Hewitt
Acting Deputy City Manager/ Directeur municipal
adjoint intérimaire
Public Works and Services/Services et Travaux
Publics
Contact Person/Personne
ressource :
W.R. Newell, P.Eng., Acting Director,
Infrastructure Services/
Directeur intérimaire, Services d'infrastructure
(613) 580-2424 x21268, Wayne.Newell@ottawa.ca
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Ref N°: ACS2005-PWS-INF-0003
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SUBJECT: RESIDENTIAL PROTECTIVE
PLUMBING PROGRAM FOR SEWER BACKUP PROTECTION
OBJET : PROGRAMME DE DISPOSITIFS PROTECTEURS SANITAIRES RÉSIDENTIELS
VISANT LA PROTECTION CONTRE LE REFOULEMENT DES EAUX D’ÉGOUT
REPORT RECOMMENDATION
That the
Planning and Environment Committee recommend to Council:
1.
That
the draft model by-law in Annex 1 defining the Residential Protective Plumbing
Program be enacted on the date of signing of the by-law;
2.
That
the Program be administered in accordance with the Departmental Policy defined
in Annex 2;
3.
That
the Program be limited to those properties meeting all of the following
conditions:
a. residential
units within the City of Ottawa;
b. properties
served by combined or partially separated sewers; and
c. properties
within an historically flooded area.
4.
That
the subsidy level for the program be:
a. the lesser of 80% of the cost of the
work or $4,000, where basement or cellar flooding resulting from City sewer
backup has occurred previously;
b. the lesser of 50% of the cost of the
work or $2,500, where basement or cellar flooding resulting from City sewer
backup has not occurred previously (but meeting the conditions defined in 3
above).
5.
That
the subsidy level be applied retroactive to 9 September 2004 for residents who
have already participated under the former subsidy program;
6.
That
Protective Plumbing By-law No. 262-82 of the former City of Ottawa be repealed
on the date the new by-law is enacted; and
7.
That
$2 million be transferred from the Rate Supported Reserve Fund to a new capital
account to be created in the Public Works and Services budget to fund this
program.
RECOMMANDATION DU
RAPPORT
Le Comité de l’urbanisme et de
l’environnement devrait recommander au Conseil de prendre les mesures
suivantes :
1.
adopter l’ébauche du modčle de
rčglement (Annexe 1) définissant le Programme de dispositifs protecteurs
sanitaires résidentiels ŕ la date de signature du rčglement;
2.
administrer le Programme conformément
ŕ la politique de l’organisme définie ŕ l’annexe 2;
3.
réserver l’accčs au Programme aux
propriétés respectant toutes les conditions suivantes :
a.
les unités résidentielles doivent ętre
situées dans la ville d’Ottawa;
b.
les propriétés doivent ętre desservies
par des égouts unitaires ou partiellement séparatifs;
c.
les propriétés doivent se trouver dans
des secteurs antérieurement touchés par des inondations;
4.
établir que le montant de la
subvention accordée dans le cadre du Programme équivaudra aux sommes
suivantes :
a.
80 %
du coűt des travaux ou 4 000 $, le montant le moins élevé étant
retenu, dans les cas oů une inondation de la cave ou du soussol résultant du
refoulement des égouts municipaux s’est produite antérieurement;
b.
50 %
du coűt des travaux ou 2 500 $, le montant le moins élevé étant
retenu, dans les cas oů une inondation de la cave ou du soussol résultant du
refoulement des égouts municipaux ne s’est jamais produite auparavant (la
propriété doit toutefois répondre aux exigences mentionnées au n° 3
cidessus).
5.
verser le montant de la subvention
rétroactivement ŕ partir du 9 septembre 2004 dans le cas des
résidents ayant déjŕ participé ŕ l’ancien programme de subventions;
6.
abroger le rčglement sur les
dispositifs protecteurs sanitaires n°26282 de l’ancienne Ville d’Ottawa ŕ la
date de l’adoption du nouveau rčglement;
7.
extraire la somme
de 2 000 000 $ du fonds de réserve financé grâce ŕ la
perception de tarifs et la verser dans un nouveau compte de capital créé dans
le budget de Services et Travaux publics en vue de financer le Programme.
EXECUTIVE
SUMMARY
Analysis
The City's sewer
systems are built to recognized standards to handle normal to above-average
levels. However, the kinds of rainfall
brought by events such as Hurricane Francis on September 9, 2004, exceed the
capacity of the sewers. When sewer
systems cannot handle the volume of liquid, this can result in backups into
residents' homes.
Property owners can help protect
individual properties against sewer backflow into their basements or
cellars. This usually requires the
following:
-
the installation of backflow valves
-
the disconnection of footing or tile
drainage where present from the partially separated sewer or combined sewer
system
-
provision of clean-outs
-
removal of driveway catch basin
connections from the sanitary sewer or combined sewer system
-
removal of downspouts discharge from
foundation drainage
-
removal of other private property
surface or groundwater drainage from the partially separated sewer or combined
sewer system
In accordance with the proposed By-law,
registered property owners within the City of Ottawa are eligible to apply
when:
-
in the case of a previously flooded
property, the basement or cellar flooding occurrence has been formerly reported
to the City;
-
in the case of a property that has not
historically flooded, the City has records of properties in the area having
formerly reported basement or cellar flooding;
-
the basement or cellar flooding is
deemed to be a result of City sewer backup from partially separated or combined
sewers and that protective plumbing is deemed to have the potential to assist
in the reduction of basement or cellar flooding from City sewer backup;
-
the applicant is not in arrears of
taxes in respect of the land for which the application is made;
-
the applicant is confirmed as the
registered owner of the land for which the application is made;
-
making use of the grant for protective
plumbing is deemed to be the most effective use of City funds to assist in the
protection of private property.
The subsidy level under the proposed program is dependent on the
flood history for the property and is to be shared between the City and the
property owner to a maximum allocation as follows:
-
the lesser of 80% of the cost of the
work or $4,000, for eligible properties that have previously experienced and
reported basement or cellar flooding resulting from City sewer backup;
-
the lesser of 50% of the cost of the
work, or $2,500, for eligible properties that have not previously experienced
or reported basement or cellar flooding resulting from City sewer backup, but
that are located in an area that has had properties that have historically
reported basement or cellar flooding resulting from City sewer backup.
Based on current
typical installations, the costs to install protective plumbing devices range between
$750 for the installation of a backflow valve and up to $5,000 and greater when
weeping tiles need to be disconnected and a sump pump installed.
Public Consultation
While there has
not been public consultation specific to the residential protective plumbing
program, staff have attended a number of community meetings since the 9
September 2004 event. At these
meetings, staff have provided information on the existing program and in recent
meetings have also indicated the existing program was under review.
The issue of
basement flooding resulting from City sewer backup was also raised during the
2005 Budget process. As a result, a
motion was endorsed by Council to transfer $2 million from the Sewer Reserve to
be applied towards the protective plumbing program.
Financial
Implications
Historically,
funds for this program have been identified in the capital budget. On December 8, 2004, City Council approved
an LRFP sub-committee recommendation to transfer this ongoing program to the
operating budget. Therefore the 2005 Approved Operating Budget of the
Department of Public Works and Services includes a $50,000 provision for
protective plumbing. As part of the
2005 Budget process, City Council approved that $2 million be transferred from
the Rate Supported Reserve Fund to increase the number of residents benefiting
from the program, subject to the approval of this policy report. Based on an average cost of $1,500 per
residential unit, it is estimated that over 1,300 properties could benefit from
the program based on the additional funding.
Notwithstanding
the LRFP recommendation to provide for this grant program through the Operating
Budget on an ongoing basis, for purposes of this one-time funding of $2.0
million, a 2005 Capital Project will be established with funding from the Rate
Supported Reserve Fund. This Reserve
Fund has a current balance of approximately $76.1 million.
RÉSUMÉ
Analyse
Le réseau d’égouts de la Ville d’Ottawa est
construit conformément ŕ des normes reconnues en vue de traiter un volume
allant de « normal » ŕ « supérieur ŕ la moyenne ».
Cependant, les averses telles que celles qu’a provoquées l’ouragan Francis,
le 9 septembre 2004, excčdent la capacité des égouts municipaux.
Lorsque les tuyaux d’égout ne peuvent contenir le volume des liquides, ceuxci
risquent d’ętre refoulés dans les maisons des résidents.
Les
propriétaires peuvent aider ŕ protéger les propriétés individuelles contre le
refoulement des égouts dans les soussols. Il s’agit habituellement de prendre
les mesures suivantes :
-
installer
des clapets;
-
déconnecter
le drain de fondation ou le réseau de drainage souterrain du systčme d’égouts
unitaires ou d’égouts partiellement séparatifs;
-
installer
des regards de nettoyage;
-
retirer
les connexions reliant le bassin collecteur de l’entrée de cour et le systčme
d’égouts sanitaires ou le systčme d’égouts unitaires;
-
éliminer
les retombées de l’évacuation des descentes d’eaux pluviales sur le drain de
fondation;
-
retirer
les connexions reliant tout autre drain de surface ou drain d’eaux de surface
se rapportant ŕ la propriété privée et les égouts partiellement séparatifs ou
unitaires.
Conformément
au rčglement proposé, les propriétaires enregistrés de la Ville d’Ottawa sont
admissibles lorsque les conditions suivantes sont remplies :
-
dans
le cas d’une propriété ayant déjŕ été inondée, l’inondation de la cave ou du
soussol a été officiellement rapportée ŕ la Ville;
-
dans
le cas d’une propriété n’ayant jamais été touchée par une inondation, la Ville
possčde des documents attestant que des rapports officiels sur l’inondation de
la cave ou du soussol de propriétés situées dans le męme secteur lui ont été
soumis;
-
l’inondation
de la cave ou du soussol est considérée comme le résultat du refoulement
d’eaux d’égouts municipaux par des égouts unitaires ou partiellement séparatifs
et l’installation de dispositifs protecteurs sanitaires est censée pouvoir
aider ŕ réduire les inondations de la cave ou du soussol résultant de
refoulements d’égouts municipaux;
-
le
demandeur n’a pas cumulé de retard quant au paiement des taxes applicables au
terrain pour lequel la demande est déposée;
-
il est
confirmé que le demandeur est bien le propriétaire enregistré du terrain pour
lequel la demande est déposée;
-
l’accord
d’une subvention pour dispositifs protecteurs sanitaires est considéré comme
l’utilisation la plus appropriée qui puisse ętre faite des fonds de la Ville
pour aider ŕ protéger la propriété privée.
Le montant de la subvention accordée
dans le cadre du programme proposé dépend de l’historique des inondations de la
propriété; le coűt total des travaux doit ętre partagé par la Ville et le
propriétaire. L’allocation maximale sera la suivante :
-
80 %
du coűt des travaux ou 4 000 $, le montant le moins élevé étant
retenu, pour les propriétés admissibles dont la cave ou le soussol a déjŕ été
inondé en raison d’un refoulement des égouts municipaux et pour lesquelles un
rapport a été déposé;
-
50 %
du coűt des travaux ou 2 500 $, le montant le moins élevé étant
retenu, pour les propriétés admissibles dont la cave ou le soussol n’a jamais
été inondé en raison d’un refoulement des égouts municipaux et pour lesquelles
aucun rapport n’a été déposé, mais qui sont situées dans un secteur oů la cave
ou le soussol de certaines propriétés a été inondé en raison du refoulement
des égouts municipaux, des documents officiels en faisant foi.
Selon des calculs fondés sur les installations
typiques actuelles, le coűt de l’installation de dispositifs protecteurs
sanitaires varie entre 750 $ pour l’installation d’un clapet
prévenant le refoulement des eaux et plus de 5 000 $ lorsque les
dalots souterrains doivent ętre déconnectés et qu’une pompe d’assčchement doit
ętre installée.
Consultation publique
Bien qu’aucune consultation publique relative
au Programme de dispositifs protecteurs sanitaires résidentiels n’ait été
menée, le personnel a assisté ŕ un certain nombre de réunions communautaires
depuis les événements du 9 septembre 2004. Lors de ces réunions,
le personnel a donné de l’information sur le programme existant et, lors de
réunions récentes, a également mentionné que le programme actuel était sous
examen.
La question des inondations de soussols
résultant de refoulements des égouts municipaux a également été soulevée
pendant le processus budgétaire de 2005. Par conséquent, le Conseil a
approuvé une proposition voulant que 2 000 000 $ soient
extraits de la réserve relative aux eaux usées et affectés au Programme de
dispositifs protecteurs sanitaires résidentiels.
Conséquences
sur le plan financier
Les fonds
affectés ŕ ce programme ont toujours été prévus dans le budget
d’immobilisations. Le 8 décembre 2004, le Conseil a approuvé une
recommandation du Souscomité du Plan financier ŕ long terme (PFLT) visant ŕ ce
que ce programme permanent soit transféré au budget de fonctionnement. Par
conséquent, le budget de fonctionnement de Services et Travaux publics approuvé
pour 2005 comprend une provision de 50 000 $ pour les
travaux relatifs aux dispositifs protecteurs sanitaires. Dans le cadre du
processus budgétaire de 2005, le Conseil a approuvé
que 2 000 000 $ soient extraits du fonds de réserve financé
grâce ŕ la perception de tarifs pour qu’un nombre accru de résidents puisse
bénéficier du Programme, sous réserve de l’approbation du présent document de
politique. Si l’on établit le coűt moyen des travaux ŕ 1 500 $
par unité résidentielle, on peut estimer que plus
de 1 300 propriétés pourraient ętre améliorées grâce au
programme fondé sur les crédits supplémentaires.
Nonobstant la recommandation du Souscomité du
PFLT voulant que ce programme de subventions soit financé en permanence par le
budget de fonctionnement, pour les fins de ce financement ponctuel
de 2 000 000 $, un projet d’immobilisations pour 2005
sera établi ŕ partir du fonds de réserve financé grâce ŕ la perception de
tarifs. Le solde actuel du fonds de réserve est
d’environ 76 100 000 $.
BACKGROUND
In order to
provide residents with some assistance in terms of protection of individual
properties, the former City of Ottawa By-law no. 262-82 provided grants for a
portion of the cost of the installation of protective plumbing to reduce the
risk of basement or cellar flooding resulting from City sewer backup. Protective plumbing includes backflow
prevention devices and sump pumps. The
protective plumbing program has been in existence since the early 1980’s.
The sewer
systems in the City of Ottawa are comprised of combined sewers, partially
separated sewers and separated sewers.
Areas serviced by combined sewers have a single sewer pipe sized to capture
storm runoff and sanitary waste. Those
serviced by partially separated sewers have an open ditch or storm sewer sized
to capture surface runoff and a separate sanitary sewer pipe sized to capture
sanitary waste. However, the ditches or
storm sewers are only of sufficient depth to capture surface runoff and as a
result foundation drains are connected to the deeper sanitary sewer – thus the
reference to partially separated sewers.
It is noted that sewer systems built after 1961 are all fully separated
systems in that the storm sewer captures surface runoff and foundation drains,
and the sanitary sewer only captures sanitary waste.
Given the nature
of combined and partially separated sewer systems to handle some storm flows,
these are more susceptible to surcharging during large wet weather events. A number of areas within the City of Ottawa
have historically experienced basement flooding as a result of surcharging of
the City’s sewer system during these types of events. As a result, the former City of Ottawa established a grant
program to assist residents who experienced basement flooding resulting from
City sewer backup by contributing 50% up to a maximum of $2,000 (or $4,000 for
multi-family dwellings) towards the cost of installation of protective plumbing
devices. In addition to providing some
financial relief for affected residents, the program also enabled the City to
disconnect foundation drains from the sanitary system, thus reducing the inflow
of storm water into the sanitary system – primarily on partially separated
systems.
Historically,
the demand for the program has been low.
However, with the broad impacts caused by Hurricane Francis on September
9, 2004, there has been renewed interest in the program. This interest extends to affected areas with
partially separated systems that are outside the limits of the former City of
Ottawa. While staff have applied the
program to other areas serviced by partially separated systems that are located
outside the limits of the former City of Ottawa, there is a need to amend the
existing program to reflect the expanded eligible area.
As part of the
2005 Budget, City Council approved $2 million in funding to be applied towards
a residential protective plumbing program for sewer backup protection with the
intent that staff bring forward a report outlining the details of the updated
program, the subsidy level and the eligibility criteria. This report is intended to outline the
details of this subsidy program.
DISCUSSION
What causes sewers to backup into
basements?
The City's sewer
systems are built to recognized standards to handle normal to above-average
levels. However, the kinds of rainfall
brought by events such as Hurricane Francis on September 9, 2004, exceed the
capacity of the sewers. When sewer
pipes cannot handle the volume of liquid, this can result in backups into
residents' homes.
What is the City doing to address
problem areas?
Staff are
actively working to find out specifically why sewers back up in different
locations, and to see what can be done to provide increased protection against
basement flooding in the future. For
example, staff have mapped out all reported locations that suffered flooding or
backups in the September 9, 2004 floods following Hurricane Francis, and are aware
of homes where floods or backups have previously occurred. The ongoing investigations will reveal
specific causes of sewer backup, as well as proposed solutions, costs and
prioritizations, and will form the basis of a report to Committee and Council later
in 2005.
It must be noted
that City sewer systems cannot feasibly be constructed to eliminate the
possibility of basement flooding in all circumstances. The findings of the ongoing investigations
will be utilized to implement, to the extent possible, system modifications to
improve system capacity thereby reducing the risk of flooding.
What can residents do to protect their basements?
Property owners can help protect against
sewer backflow into their basements.
This usually requires the following:
-
the installation of backflow valves
-
the disconnection of footing or tile
drainage from the partially separated sewer or combined sewer system
-
provision of clean-outs
-
removal of driveway catch basin
connections from the sanitary sewer or combined sewer system
-
removal of downspouts discharge
influence on foundation drainage
-
removal of other private property
surface or groundwater drainage from the partially separated sewer or combined
sewer system
As detailed in the proposed By-law and
Departmental Policy (Annexes 1 and 2, respectively), registered property owners
within the City of Ottawa are eligible to apply when:
-
in the case of a previously flooded
property, the basement or cellar flooding occurrence has been formerly reported
to the City;
-
in the case of a property that has not
historically flooded, the City has records of properties in the area having
formerly reported basement or cellar flooding;
-
the basement or cellar flooding is
deemed to be a result of City sewer backup from partially separated or combined
sewers and that protective plumbing is deemed to have the potential to assist
in the reduction of basement or cellar flooding from City sewer backup;
-
the applicant is not in arrears of
taxes in respect of the land for which the application is made;
-
the applicant is confirmed as the
registered owner of the land for which the application is made;
-
making use of the grant for protective
plumbing is deemed to be the most effective use of City funds to assist in the
protection of private property in recognition of planned City maintenance,
repair, rehabilitation, replacement or new construction initiatives and that
would negate the need for grant consideration (unless the proposed timelines
for planned City maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, replacement or new
construction initiatives not expected to occur prior to the next wet weather
season, in which case, consideration of the protective plumbing application
could proceed).
A subsidy will not be considered in instances where
-
properties do not have the foundation
drainage or building sewers installed in accordance with City by-laws;
-
properties that direct surface or
groundwater drainage to the partially separated sewer or combined sewer system;
or
-
properties that contravene the
Building Code or existing by-laws which were in effect at the time of the
building construction, unless such contravention was approved by the City.
To be considered under the program,
property owners need to complete an application form (Annex 3), including:
-
a copy of the registered deed or
transfer of land or tax bill confirming the applicant as the registered owner
of the property;
-
confirmation that there are no
outstanding taxes in respect of the property for which the application is made;
-
the acknowledgement that installation
of protective plumbing is not an admission by the City of City liability and
the City will not be held responsible for the failure of the protective
plumbing for any reason whatsoever, including but not limited to, inadequate or
improper maintenance by the property owner; any modifications by current or
future property owners; non-disclosure of maintenance requirements to future
property owners; or power interruptions;
-
details as to the date of and the
extent of the basement or cellar flooding (if applicable);
-
an administration fee of $100.
The administration fee will be used to
initiate on-site investigation by City staff, a qualified engineering
consultant or a qualified contractor.
All investigative costs borne by the City will be included as part of
the cost of the work and subsidized accordingly. The administration fee will be subsidized under the program
provided the property owner proceeds with the work. Otherwise, the administration fee is non-refundable should the
property owner not proceed with the work.
It is worthwhile noting that the fee under the former program was $500.
What is the recommended subsidy level?
The subsidy
level of the program of the former City of Ottawa was 50% up to a maximum of
$2,000 (or $4,000 for multi-family dwelling units). This by-law has been in effect since the early 1980’s and the
subsidy level has not been changed since that time.
The subsidy level under the proposed program is dependent on the
flood history for the property and is to be shared between the City and the
property owner to a maximum allocation as follows:
-
the lesser of 80% of the cost of the
work or $4,000, for eligible properties that have previously experienced and
reported basement or cellar flooding resulting from City sewer backup;
-
the lesser of 50% of the cost of the
work, or $2,500, for eligible properties that have not previously experienced
or reported basement or cellar flooding resulting from City sewer backup, but
that are located in an area that has had properties that have historically
reported basement or cellar flooding resulting from City sewer backup.
Based on current
typical installations, the costs to install protective plumbing devices range
between $750 for the installation of a backflow valve and up to $5,000 and greater
when weeping tiles need to be disconnected and a sump pump installed.
What is done in other municipalities?
Basement
flooding is not unique to Ottawa. In
fact, most municipalities have had occurrences of basement flooding as a result
of large wet weather events.
Staff recently
surveyed the following municipalities to see if they had a subsidy program for
the installation of protective plumbing: Burlington, Kitchener, Chatham-Kent,
Waterloo, Cambridge, Hamilton, London, Peel, Barrie, Windsor, Cambridge,
Vaughn, St. Catherines, Durham, Waterloo, Oshawa, Toronto, Gatineau, Montreal,
Edmonton, Calgary and Vancouver.
Of the
municipalities surveyed, only St. Catherines, Hamilton, London, Gatineau and
Toronto have a subsidy program. In the
case of London and Hamilton, the subsidy level is 50%, in St. Catherines it is
100% up to a maximum of $2,500, in Gatineau it is 100% for very specific
streets specifically designated by the City (none done since 2002), and in
Toronto it is 80%. However, Toronto’s
program only applied to the year 2000 flooding event and the program is no
longer in effect.
The program
being recommended for Ottawa compares favourably to what is offered in other
Cities and it maintains the principle of shared responsibility.
PUBLIC CONSULTATION
While not
specific to the residential protective plumbing program, staff have attended a
number of community meetings since the 9 September 2004 event. At these meetings, staff have provided
information on the existing program and in recent meetings have also indicated
that the existing program was under review.
The issue of
basement flooding was also raised during the 2005 budget process. A motion was endorsed by Council to transfer
$2 million from the Rate Supported Reserve Fund to be applied toward the
protective plumbing program.
FINANCIAL IMPLICATIONS
Historically, funds for this program have
been identified in the capital budget.
On December 8, 2004, City Council approved an LRFP sub-committee
recommendation to transfer this ongoing program to the operating budget.
Therefore the 2005 Approved Operating Budget of the Department of Public Works
and Services includes a $50,000 provision for protective plumbing. As part of the 2005 Budget process, City
Council approved that $2 million be transferred from the Rate Supported Reserve
Fund to increase the number of residents benefiting from the program, subject
to the approval of this policy report.
Based on an average cost of $1,500 per residential unit, it is estimated
that over 1,300 properties could benefit from the program based on the
additional funding.
Notwithstanding
the LRFP recommendation to provide for this grant program through the Operating
Budget on an ongoing basis, for purposes of this one-time funding of $2.0
million, a 2005 Capital Project will be established with funding from the Rate
Supported Reserve Fund. This Reserve
Fund has a current balance of approximately $76.1 million.
ATTACHMENTS
Annex 1 Draft model
by-law for new Residential Protective Plumbing Program
Annex 2 Departmental
Policy
Annex 3 Draft Application
Form
DISPOSITION
Upon approval of this report:
-
Legal Services
will finalize the by-law for enactment;
-
Infrastructure
Services will have the final by-law and application form translated, and will
manage the Residential Protective Plumbing Program; and
-
Financial
Services will transfer $2 million from the Rate Supported Reserve Fund to a new
capital account to be created for this program in the Public Works and Services
budget.
Annex 1 – Draft By-law
BY-LAW
N0. 2005 -
A by-law of the City of Ottawa for the making of
grants for the installation of protective plumbing to reduce the risk of
basement or cellar flooding from City sewer backup for residential units.
The Council of
the City of Ottawa enacts as follows:
DEFINITIONS
1.
In this by-law,
“catchment
area” means the extent of the area served by a sewer system.
“Chief Building Official” means the Chief Building Official of the
City or an authorized representative.
“City” means the City of Ottawa.
“City Solicitor” means the City Solicitor or an authorized
representative.
“combined sewer system” means a City sewer system that collects and
conveys municipal sewage (sanitary
sewage), intercepted
surface storm water runoff, and foundation drainage, all
within a single wastewater collection pipe.
“Deputy City Manager” means the Deputy City Manager of the
Department of Public Works and Services or an authorized representative.
“eligible property” means a property meeting all of the conditions
described in section 2 of this by-law.
“foundation drainage” means groundwater from the periphery of
building footings and surface runoff, both of which are collected and conveyed
by foundation drains away from the building to the City’s drainage and sewer
networks.
“historically flooded area” means those areas within sewer catchment
areas where basement or cellar flooding from City sewer backup has occurred and
has been reported to the City in the past.
“partially separated sewer” means a City sewer system that consists
of a storm runoff drainage system that collects and conveys intercepted surface runoff, and a separate sanitary sewer system that receives and conveys
municipal sewage combined with foundation drainage as well as some driveway and
surface drainage.
“protective plumbing” means retrofitting existing plumbing with
backwater valves, check valves, shut-off valves, relief sumps, sump pump or
such similar devices that assist in the protection from City sewer backup.
“residential units” means one or more connected units constituting
an independent housekeeping unit for residential occupancy only and not jointly
used for commercial, industrial or institutional purposes.
“separated sewer system” means a City sewer system in which
municipal sewage is collected and conveyed through a sanitary sewer pipe
network, and surface storm water runoff and foundation drainage is collected
and conveyed through a separate storm runoff drainage system.
“work” means the installation of the protective plumbing.
2. The
provisions of this bylaw are limited to those properties meeting all of the
following conditions:
(a) residential units within the City of Ottawa;
(b) properties served by combined or partially separated sewers; and
(c) properties within an historically flooded area.
APPLICATION
3. The owner of an eligible property may
apply to the City for a grant to pay for a portion of the cost of the
installation of protective plumbing to help reduce the potential risk of
basement or cellar flooding from sewer backup, by filing with the Deputy City
Manager an application which contains the following:
(a) a copy of the registered deed or transfer of land or tax bill
confirming the applicant as the registered owner of the property;
(b) confirmation that there are no outstanding taxes in respect of the
property for which the application is made;
(c) the acknowledgement referred to in section 11 hereof;
(d) if applicable, details as to the date of and the extent of the
basement or cellar flooding; and
(e) a completed application in the prescribed form with an
administration fee of $100.
ADMINISTRATION FEE
4. The administration fee of $100 shall be
used by the City to initiate the City work referred to in subsection 8(c)
hereof and is refundable in the same proportions described in section 5 hereof,
but only if the applicant proceeds with the work.
AMOUNT OF GRANT
5. The amount of a
grant approved under this by-law shall be:
(a) the lesser of 80% of the cost of the work or $4000, where basement
or cellar flooding resulting from City sewer backup has occurred previously.
(b) the
lesser of 50% of the cost of the work or $2500, where basement or cellar
flooding resulting from City sewer backup has not occurred previously.
PRIORITY
6. Grant allocations
shall be considered by the City on a first come first served basis to a limit
not to exceed the annual budget allocation for any given calendar year.
DELAYED APPLICATIONS
7. An
applicant who does not receive a grant in any year because of insufficient
funds in the current program, or because the studies referred to in subsection
8(c) hereof cannot be completed in the year in which the application is made,
will be notified and advised to resubmit the application in the following year.
REVIEW AND
APPROVAL
8. The Deputy City Manager and, where required, the Chief Building
Official, will review the grant application, and if satisfied that the
conditions of this By-law and the following criteria have been met, may approve or reject the application:
(a)
that the property is an eligible
property;
(b)
that prior to the application the
applicant’s basement or cellar has flooded as a result of a City sewer backup,
and that the incident was reported to the City, or that the property is in an
historically flooded area;
(c)
that based upon an examination of
existing flood records or available studies, or upon additional studies and
investigations to define the cause of such flooding, the City is satisfied that
the flooding is a result of City sewer backup and that protective plumbing will
reduce the potential of future basement or cellar flooding of the property;
(d)
the applicant agreeing in writing to
install the protective plumbing in a manner and within the scope of work
described in section 9 hereof and which the City has determined by way of site
investigation by the City or by a
qualified engineering consultant or a qualified contractor;
(e)
the applicant is not in arrears of
taxes;
(f)
the applicant is confirmed as the
registered owner of the land for which the application is made; and
(g)
that protective plumbing and the grant
therefore is the most effective use of City funds to assist in the protection
of the property which is the subject of the application, recognizing that
planned City maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, replacement or new
construction initiatives may negate the need for protective plumbing, provided
that the proposed timelines for the City’s planned maintenance, repair,
rehabilitation, replacement or new construction initiatives are expected to
occur prior to the next wet weather season.
9. The scope of work to
be determined by the City and referred to in subsection 8(d) hereof includes
any special requirements that the Deputy City Manager deems necessary, and
without limiting the generality of the foregoing, may include:
(a)
the provision of clean-outs;
(b)
the disconnection of footing or tile
drainage from the partially separated sewer or combined sewer system;
(c)
the installation of check valves;
(d)
removal of driveway catch basin
connections from the partially separated sewer or combined sewer system;
(e)
removal of downspout discharge
influence on foundation drainage; and
(f)
removal of other private property
surface or groundwater drainage from the partially separated sewer or combined
sewer system.
10. No grant shall be made
for properties that,
(a)
do not have the foundation drainage or
building sewers installed in accordance with City by-laws;
(b)
direct surface or groundwater drainage
to the sanitary sewer or combined sewer system; or
(c)
contravene the Building Code or
by-laws that were in effect at the time of the building construction, unless
the City approved such contravention.
(a) acknowledge that installation of protective plumbing is not an
admission by the City of City liability; and
(b) agree that the City will not be held responsible for the failure of
the protective plumbing for any reason whatsoever, including but not limited
to,
i.inadequate or improper maintenance
by the property owner;
ii.any modifications by current or
future property owners;
iii.non-disclosure of maintenance
requirements to future property owners; or
iv.power interruptions.
APPROVAL
12. When satisfied that the
conditions prescribed in sections 3, 8 and 10 of this By-law have been met the
Deputy City Manager may in writing approve the application and the grant.
13. An applicant in receipt of
the notice of grant approval shall,
(a) obtain and submit to the Deputy City Manager at least one (1)
quotation for the work with additional quote(s) required until such time as, in
the opinion of the Deputy City Manager a reasonable quote is received. However, in no case will more that three (3)
quotes be required; and
(b) not proceed with the work until the Deputy City Manager has
confirmed in writing that the quote received is reasonable and that the work
may proceed.
NON-COMPLIANCE
14. In the event of
non-compliance by the applicant with the provisions of section 13 hereof, the
City may withdraw its approval of the grant.
PAYMENT
15. Payment of the grant by the
Deputy City Manager shall be made only after the work is complete, and only
after,
(a) the applicant has submitted final accounts for the work; and
(b) confirmation has been received by the City that:
i.
any necessary permits were obtained;
ii.
the inspection and testing of the
completed works has been carried out where required; and
iii.
the work completed was in accordance
with the approved proposal.
SHORT TITLE
16. This bylaw may be
referred to as the “ Residential Protective Plumbing Program for Sewer Backup
Protection”
ENACTED
AND PASSED this day
of , 2005.
DEPUTY
CITY CLERK MAYOR
Annex 2 – Departmental Policy
This policy
establishes the background protocol for making a grant application for the
installation of protective plumbing to help reduce the risk of basement or
cellar flooding from City sewer backup in residential units within partially
separated or combined sewer areas, under City of Ottawa By-law 2005 - ???.
2.
Purpose
Due to extreme
wet weather, either by climatic events or high groundwater, some residential
properties in the City of Ottawa historically have experienced basement or
cellar flooding from sewer system backup.
The purpose of this policy is to document the grant process by which the
property owner and the City can jointly participate to address individual
property-specific flooding issues from sewer system backup in partially
separated or combined sewer areas.
3.
Application
Residential
property owners within the partially separated or combined sewer catchment
areas of the City of Ottawa that have experienced basement or cellar flooding
as a result of City sewer backup or that are in areas that have properties on
City record that have historically flooded as a result City sewer backup are
eligible for a grant for a portion of the cost to install protective plumbing
subject to satisfying select criteria.
The provisions of the grant program are therefore limited to residential
properties within the City of Ottawa served by combined or partially separated
sewers that are in areas that have properties on City record that have
historically flooded.
4.
Policy
Description
The owner of an eligible property may apply
to the City for a grant to pay for a portion of the cost of the installation of
protective plumbing to help reduce the potential risk of basement or cellar
flooding from sewer backup, by filing with the City a formal application for
such purpose. The application form
will be made available from the City Internet site, Client Service Centres or
through the contact identified herein.
Grant applications are to include:
·
a copy of the registered deed or
transfer of land or tax bill confirming the applicant as the registered owner
of the property;
·
confirmation that there are no
outstanding taxes in respect of the property for which the application is made;
·
the acknowledgement that installation
of protective plumbing is not an admission by the City of City liability and
that the City will not be held responsible for the failure of the protective
plumbing for any reason whatsoever, including but not limited to, inadequate or
improper maintenance by the property owner; any modifications by current or
future property owners; non-disclosure of maintenance requirements to future
property owners; or power interruptions;
·
details as to the date of and the
extent of the basement or cellar flooding (if applicable);
·
an administration fee of $100
The administration fee will be used to initiate on-site
investigation by City staff, a qualified engineering consultant or a qualified
contractor. These investigations are
the sole basis upon which the most appropriate protective plumbing solution is
to be determined. City staff will also
use the detailed investigative work to review, define, amend or update broader
network-level renewal, rehabilitation, replacement and level of service
enhancement programs planned for the sewer systems in the area. These assessments will be based upon based
upon:
(h)
the site specific investigations
completed,
(i)
examination of existing flood records
or studies available for the area,
(j)
through additional studies and
investigations deemed necessary to be carried out to define the suspected cause
of such flooding
(k)
if sufficient records are not available
and if the additional studies and investigations to obtain this data cannot be
carried out in the current year, the City may reject the application for the
grant and advise the applicant that the application may be resubmitted in the
following year
All investigative costs borne by the City will be included as part
of the cost of the work and subsidized accordingly. The administration fee will be subsidized under the program
provided the property owner proceeds with the work. Otherwise, the administration fee is non-refundable should the
property owner not proceed with the work.
The amount of a grant under the program is dependent on the flood
history for the property and is to be shared between the City and the property
owner to a maximum allocation as follows:
·
the lesser of 80% of the cost of the
work or $4000, for eligible properties that have previously experienced and
reported basement or cellar flooding resulting from City sewer backup;
·
the lesser of 50% of the cost of the
work, or $2500, for eligible properties that have not previously experienced or
reported basement or cellar flooding resulting from City sewer backup, but that
are located in an area that has had properties that have historically reported
basement or cellar flooding resulting from City sewer backup.
Grant allocations shall be considered by the
City on a first come first served basis to a limit not to exceed the annual
budget allocation for any given year.
An applicant who does not receive a grant in any year because of
insufficient funds in the current program will be notified and advised to
resubmit the application for a grant in the following year.
Grant applications will be reviewed and may be approved or rejected
on the basis of the following criteria:
·
the property meeting the eligibility
requirements set-out for the program
·
in the case of a flooded property, the
basement or cellar flooding event having been formerly reported to the City and
forwarded to the Infrastructure Management Division for processing prior to the
application for a grant. The basement
or cellar flooding event could be reported to the City via:
(a) the City’s internet site
(b) the City’s Call Centre
(c) Ward Councillor’s office
(d) a claim to Risk Management
(e) notification by the property owner’s
insurance company
(f) the contacts listed herein
·
in the case of a property that has not
historically flooded, documents on City record of properties in the area having
formerly reported to basement or cellar flooding the City
·
the basement or cellar flooding is
deemed to be a result of City sewer backup from partially separated or combined
sewers and that protective plumbing is deemed to have the potential to assist
in the reduction of basement or cellar flooding from City sewer backup
·
the applicant accepting:
(a) to undertake all the work defined by the City as necessary for
protective plumbing
(b) that such work is defined by the City through site investigation
process by staff with assistance of a qualified engineering consultant or a
qualified contractor as required to document the proposed scope of work,
(c) the scope of work includes any special requirements that the City
deems necessary, and without limiting the generality of the foregoing,
includes:
i.
provision of clean-outs
ii.
the disconnection of footing or tile
drainage from the partially separated sewer or combined sewer system
iii.
the installation of check valves
iv.
removal of driveway catch basin
connections from the sanitary sewer or combined sewer system
v.
removal of downspouts discharge
influence on foundation drainage
vi.
removal of other private property
surface or groundwater drainage from the partially separated sewer or combined
sewer system
·
the applicant is not in arrears of
taxes in respect of the land for which the application is made
·
the applicant is confirmed as the
registered owner of the land for which the application is made
·
making of the grant for protective
plumbing is deemed to be the most effective use of City funds to assist in the
protection of private property in recognition of planned City maintenance,
repair, rehabilitation, replacement or new construction initiatives and that
would negate the need for grant consideration (unless the proposed timelines
for planned City maintenance, repair, rehabilitation, replacement or new construction
initiatives not expected to occur prior to the next wet weather season, in
which case, consideration of the protective plumbing application could
proceed).
·
grants will not be considered in
instances where
(a) properties do not have the foundation drainage or building sewers
installed in accordance with City by-laws,
(b) properties that direct surface or groundwater drainage to the
partially separated sewer or combined sewer system or
(c) properties that contravene the Building Code or existing by-laws
which were in effect at the time of the building construction, unless such
contravention was approved by the City
Successful applicants will
be required to obtain and submit at least one (1) quotation for the work with
additional quote(s) requested until such time as, in the opinion of the City, a
reasonable quote is received. However,
in no case will more that three (3) quotes be required. Work is not to proceed until the City
has confirmed that the quote received is a reasonable amount to pay for the work
required and that the grant is approved
Payment of the
grant will only be approved once work is complete, the applicant has submitted
final accounts for the work and that confirmation has been received that:
(a) any necessary permits were obtained,
(b) the inspection and testing of the completed works has been carried
out where required; and
(c) the work completed was in accordance with the approved proposal; and
(d) the applicant has signed a release in a form approved by the City
5.
Definitions
“Chief Building
Official” means the Chief Building Official of the City or an authorized
representative.
“City” means the
City of Ottawa.
“City Solicitor”
means the City Solicitor or an authorized representative.
“Deputy City
Manager” means the Deputy City Manager of the Department of Public Works and
Services or an authorized representative.
“protective
plumbing” means retrofitting existing plumbing with backwater valves, check
valves, shut-off valves, relief sumps, sump pump or such similar devices or
means that assists in the protection from City sewer backup.
“residential
units” means one or more units connected together that constitute an
independent housekeeping unit for residential occupancy only and not jointly
used for commercial, industrial or institutional purposes.
“work” means the
installation of the protective plumbing.
“combined sewer
system” means a City sewer system that collects and conveys both municipal
sewage (sanitary sewage) and
intercepted surface runoff (storm water) combined within a single wastewater
collection pipe.
“separated sewer
system” means a City sewer system in which all municipal sewage is collected
and conveyed through a sanitary sewer pipe network and all surface runoff and
foundation drainage is collected and conveyed through a separate storm sewer
pipe network
“partially
separated sewer” means a City sewer system that consists of storm runoff
drainage system that collects and conveys intercepted surface runoff (storm
water) and separate sanitary sewers that receive and convey municipal sewage
combined with private property foundation drainage as well as some private
property driveway and surface drainage
“catchment area”
means the extent of the area served by a sewer system
“historically
flooded area” means those areas within sewer catchments where basement or
cellar flooding from City sewer backup has been reported to the City in the
past
6.
Responsibilities
This section
identifies the principal roles and responsibilities assigned to City staff for
the policy.
- Infrastructure
Services – Infrastructure Management Division will:
- be the point of contact between
residents and other City Departments;
- staff will investigate, or assign
engineering consultants to investigate the property;
- determine protective plumbing
solution; and
- prepare, receive and validate
grant requests.
- Financial Services will:
- provide supporting information in
determining applications meeting eligibility requirements.
- Legal Services will:
·
provide supporting information in
determining applications meeting eligibility requirements.
7.
Contraventions
In the event of
non-compliance by the applicant with the provisions of the policy, the City may
withdraw its approval of the grant.
8.
References
The City has a
number of programs aimed at addressing extraneous flow removal, system
upgrades, flow management and wet weather flow management strategies. Collectively, these programs ultimately
assist in flood protection form a network perspective. The protective plumbing grant program is an
additional component of wet weather management that has a specific focus on
addressing individual property-specific flooding issues from sewer system
backup through joint City and property owner initiative.
9.
Legislated & Administrative
Authorities
This corporate
policy is governed by Provincial and Municipal legislation and regulations, as
follows:
9.1 Municipal
·
By-laws
-
Sewer Use By-law
-
Residential Protective Plumbing
Program By-law
10. Key Word Search
Relevant keywords in this document that
are to be added to the Policy Manual Subject Index are:
a.
Sewer backup
b.
Protective plumbing
c.
Grant
d.
Basement flooding
e.
Cellar flooding
f.
Sewer surcharge
g.
Check valves
h.
Downspouts
i.
Backwater valves
j.
Flooding
k.
Partially separated sewer
l.
Combined sewer
m.
Residential unit
11. Contact
For more
information on this policy, contact the:
Manager, Infrastructure Management Division
Infrastructure
Services Branch
Department of
Public Works and Services
City of Ottawa
Tel: (613)
580-2424 ext. 21197
