The Town of Essex is making it easier for residents to access flood prevention subsidies.
It's removing the requirement to get two quotes before applying for funding to install sump pumps or a backwater valve.
The subsidy program has been around for years, but since 2019, only $32,700 has been paid out.
Mayor Sherry Bondy suggested the town step up its efforts to advertise the subsidy on its website and through social media.
After a flood in August 2023, only 22 residents were approved for Disaster Recovery Assistance, which paid out $90,000. Many of the applicants were denied assistance because of insurance coverage, ineligible costs, and sewer backup damage.
Council also received a report on Monday night about the flood in Harrow and Colchester last September. The report concluded infrastructure in the area worked as designed, but was overwhelmed by 190 mm of rain.
Councillors also approved a Master Servicing Study that will look at infrastructure across all of Essex. Director of Infrastructure Services, Kevin Girard, said the study will assess flood risk and offer solutions tailored to each area of the town. Stantec Consulting will conduct the study for $499,000.
