Flood Waste Disposal Reimbursement Program
Town Advocates for Disaster Recovery Assistance from Province of Ontario
- The Town of Lincoln is formally requesting that the Province of Ontario consider activating the Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program following the recent flooding events that affected the community.
- If you live in Lincoln and experienced damage to your property due to the July 21 and August 2 flooding, please contact Town Hall at 905-563-2799 during business hours (Monday to Friday, 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.).
- If the Province of Ontario approves the Town’s request for financial assistance, eligible applicants may receive financial assistance for emergency expenses and costs for repair or replacement of essential property.
- Read the latest update from the Town.
We will continue to provide updates as more information becomes available. Thank you for your patience as this process moves forward.
Flood Recovery Remediation Work
Bartlett Creek Cleanup
As flood recovery efforts continue across Lincoln, remediation and cleanup work along Bartlett Creek began in early September. Crews will start at Hilary Bald Park and work south along the creek and trail, completing cleanup and restoration work following the August flooding.
Work is expected to take approximately three to four weeks, with sections of the trail temporarily closed as crews progress through the area. Residents are asked to respect posted closures and give crews space to complete the work safely.
Community Supports and Resources
If you or someone you know has been affected by recent flooding, there are local, regional and national organizations available to provide support and resources as you navigate recovery.
We know this has been a difficult time for many in our community. Please know that support is available, and you don't have to navigate recovery alone.
Samaritan’s Purse Canada, Mennonite Disaster Services and Team Rubicon are no longer taking any new requests for assistance in Lincoln and will be demobilizing from the Niagara region. If you are in need of flood-recovery supplies, please call the Town of Lincoln at 905-563-2799 or e-mail resources@lincoln.ca. A member of Town of Lincoln staff will review your request and contact you to discuss your needs. If supplies are available, they will provide information on pickup arrangements. Please note that supplies are limited and cannot be guaranteed. Delivery may be available for those who require assistance.
Preparing for and Responding to Flooding
Heavy rainfall and severe thunderstorms can lead to flooding with little warning. Taking proactive steps and performing regular maintenance can help reduce the risk of flooding and avoid costly damage.
The Town of Lincoln provides information and resources to help residents prepare for, avoid, and respond to basement flooding.
What to Do if Your Basement Floods
Call 9-1-1 if there is immediate risk to life or safety only.
- Do not enter your basement if the water has come into contact with any of the following: electrical outlets, baseboard heaters, furnace, electrical panel.
- Call Niagara Peninsula Energy Inc. at (905) 365-2681, Toll-Free at 1-877-270-3938 immediately to disconnect power to your home.
- Call your home insurance company.
- *The Insurance Bureau of Canada has a Helpline and resources available to help residents with claims and recovery. Please see info at the bottom of this page.
- Once hydro is shut off, remove the water. This may require the assistance of a wet basement contractor and or restoration company.
- Contact the Town of Lincoln to report basement flooding (905-563-2799 or 905-641-0971 for after-hours). The Town will inspect the municipal sewer system to ensure it is functioning as designed.
- Contact a licensed plumber or wet basement company. They will be able to give insight to the cause of the flooding.
To help Town staff assess the situation and determine the source of the flooding, be prepared to provide details such as:
- Where the water appears to be entering your home.
- When the flooding began.
- The depth or amount of water present.
- The colour and any noticeable odour of the water.
Gathering this information can assist Town staff in their investigation and help identify the most appropriate response.
Know Who to Call and When
| When | Call 9-1-1 | Call the Town | Call Niagara Region |
|---|---|---|---|
| Urgent Concerns | Call 9-1-1 immediately if there is a risk to life or safety, including:
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| After 24 hours | If there is a new risk to life or safety, or the risk to life or safety remains, please call 9-1-1 immediately. |
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Quick Tips
Sanitary Backwater Valve Pilot Subsidy Program
The Town of Lincoln has launched a Sanitary Backwater Valve Pilot Subsidy Program to help homeowners reduce the risk of basement flooding caused by sanitary sewer backups during heavy rain or rapid snowmelt.
Funding is limited and will be allocated on a first-come, first-served basis. Homeowners with a history of sanitary basement flooding are expected to benefit most.
Post-Flood Safety
Before turning your power or gas back on after a flood, you must get professional clearance to do so. Water corrodes gas lines and ruins electrical insulation, creating severe fire, shock, and explosion risks.
Protect your property & family:
- Do not DIY: Never flip your main breaker or turn on gas valves yourself if they were exposed to water.
- Hire an Electrician: Get a certified professional to check your wiring.
- Hire a Gas Fitter: Ensure a licensed technician inspects all gas lines and appliances.
- Document Everything: Keep all inspection reports and invoices for your insurance provider.
Stay Informed
- Be sure to monitor local weather forecasts and follow Town of Lincoln communication channels for updates during significant weather events.
- Visit Niagara Region's website
- Niagara Peninsula Conservation Authority's website for more information.
- For weather updates, please visit Environment Canada's website.
Increase your home's resilience to the impacts of climate change
The following infographics were developed by the Intact Centre on Climate Adaptation at the University of Waterloo and consist of low-cost and low-effort actions that Town of Lincoln residents can take to increase their home's resilience to impacts of climate change, such as extreme heat and flooding.
For more information, visit our Climate Change webpage.
