Windsor

Ward 7 residents question delay for basement flooding subsidy payouts

Ward 7 residents heard the city's plans to combat future flooding at a meeting Thursday night, and took the opportunity to question city officials about their strategy.

About 100 people heard about the city's sewer 'master plan'

Ward 7 residents line up to explain their issues to city officials. (Dale Molnar/CBC)

Ward 7 residents heard the city's plans to combat future flooding at a meeting Thursday night, and took the opportunity to question city officials about their strategy.

"I did everything the city said ... I put in a backwater valve in, I put in a sump pump I got all the estimates, the inspector came out and said everything was great. This was last April and I'm still waiting for the money," said resident Mark McEachren. "I'm wondering how long we have to wait?" 

McEachren said a few people in his neighbourhood haven't got paid yet. He also wanted to know if he would only qualify for 80 per cent coverage, or would now be eligible for the 100 per cent coverage that the city has recently committed to.

City council voted to increase the Basement Flooding Protection Subsidy program from an 80 per cent subsidy to 100 per cent. However many residents say they have not received any money yet. 

But Ward 7 councillor Irek Kusmierczyk said the delay could work in McEachren's favour.

"If you haven't gotten paid yet ...  then you will get 100 per cent subsidy because it hasn't been processed yet," he explained.

Meanwhile, McEachren said he just wants to hear back from a city representative.

"I called 311 and 'Peter' said he'd get back to me ... I don't know if 'Peter' exists," McEachren said to a laughing crowd of about 100 people.