The Municipality of Southwest Middlesex has been awarded $50,000 through Intact Financial Corporation’s expanded Municipal Climate Resiliency Grants program for 2025. The funding will support a flood resilience project designed to reduce the growing risks of flooding in the community.
With extreme weather events becoming more frequent and severe across Ontario, Southwest Middlesex is taking proactive steps to protect homes, infrastructure, and natural ecosystems. The grant will advance nature-based and data-driven solutions that can serve as models for other rural and semi-rural municipalities.
The Southwest Middlesex Flood Resilience Program will roll out a Sump Pump Disconnect and Backwater Valve Initiative in high-risk areas identified through the Municipal Flood Risk Check-Up. By helping homeowners install sump pumps and backwater valves, the program will reduce basement flooding, protect public health, and strengthen local infrastructure by separating stormwater from sanitary systems. Public education campaigns and collaboration with stakeholders will further support long-term climate resilience.
Implementation is scheduled to begin in August and September, with results tracked through project milestones.
Southwest Middlesex is one of 19 communities across Canada selected for funding as part of Intact’s $3.1 million investment in climate adaptation. Chosen from more than 170 applicants, this year’s recipients include municipalities, Indigenous communities, and registered charities committed to building stronger, more climate-resilient futures.
Written by: C. Soares