Man. needs flood program details: contractor

Manitoba contractors who install sump pumps and pits are warning politicians to quickly sort out details of a novel flood-protection proposal announced Wednesday.

Withwidespread springtime flooding possible, the province and the City of Winnipeg are promising to subsidize the cost of the equipment for homeowners.

Details of the planare still being worked out, but Winnipeg Mayor Sam Katz said the subsidy could be in the neighbourhood of 50 to 60 per cent.

Ron Lemieux, the provincial minister responsible for local government,said theprogram has been discussedfor some time.

"We know what the weather cycle is like in Manitoba and so we want to make sure that we put a program in place that's going to help people and we've got to be able to try and do it early enough that it will assist them," he said.

But there's not much time left to get the plan in place, said Bill McDuffe of Saber Industries. Many people will be scrambling to get sump pumps, pits or backwater valves installed prior to the spring melt.

"There's a mad rush towards the end of February, starting into March.Then everybody wants it done at the same time.And that's one of the big problems," McDuffe said.

Premier Greg Selinger said on Thursday that people shouldn't wait until details of the program are finalized, but should start planning right now.

"You can go to the hardware store, you can get your backup valve ordered.In many cases they're in stock. In the case of a sump pump, if people are serious about wanting to do that, they should make arrangements right now," he said.

The installation of a sump pump, pit and backwater valve can cost between $1,500 and $3,000 he added. Older homes needing more extensive drainage upgrades could pay thousands more, according to McDuffe.

Winnipeg residents would also have to pay for a $114 building permit and have a city inspector approve the work.

City officials couldn't say on Wednesday whether the permit fee may be waived, or if there's currently enough inspectors to tackle the task.