The City of Ottawa announced yesterday that homeowners whose properties were significantly affected by the flash flooding that followed intense rainfall on July 1 can apply for property tax relief. Severe thunderstorms lashed the capital on Canada Day afternoon, dropping as much as 167 millimetres of rain in a matter of hours on some neighbourhoods west of the city core.
Mayor Mark Sutcliffe said Wednesday nearly 6,500 residents have reported flooding since then. People who apply by February 28, 2027, could get their 2026 property taxes reduced, refunded or cancelled altogether. The relief program targets homeowners whose properties have been destroyed, rendered substantially unusable, or require repairs that prevent normal use for at least three months.
The Canada Day storm was a one in 200-year rainfall event, with some areas receiving more than 140 millimetres of rain, according to the City of Ottawa. The unprecedented deluge overwhelmed drainage systems, flooded thousands of basements, and caused extensive property damage across Ottawa’s western neighbourhoods.
Eligibility
Who qualifies for property tax relief
Three categories of damage can make you eligible for tax reductions or refunds
The City of Ottawa may cancel, reduce or refund part of the property taxes levied on properties where a building was destroyed by the storm, a building was damaged by the storm to render it substantially unusable, or repairs prevented the normal use of a building for at least 3 months. The program applies specifically to properties affected by the July 1, 2026 storm event.
Applications can be submitted online, by email, mail or fax, and should include supporting documents such as photos, the city said. Residents will have to provide details about the damage and repairs, including pictures and insurance reports. The application deadline is February 28, 2027, giving affected homeowners more than seven months to gather documentation and submit their claims.
You can find the official application form and complete details about the property tax relief program on the City of Ottawa’s Heavy Rainfall page. For more information, contact Revenue Services at 613-580-2444.
How to apply
Application deadline: February 28, 2027
Submit online: City of Ottawa property tax relief portal
By mail: City of Ottawa Revenue Services c/o Tax Adjustments Section, 100 Constellation Drive, 4th Floor East, Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8
Phone: 613-580-2444
Email: taxadjustments@ottawa.ca
Required documentation: Photos of damage, insurance reports, repair estimates or invoices, proof of property ownership
The storm
A 1-in-200-year weather event
Record rainfall overwhelmed Ottawa’s west end on Canada Day
In Britannia, 167 millimetres of rain fell over about five hours—that’s nearly 17 centimetres, or more than half a foot of rain, an amount that is supposed to come just once every 200 years or so, according to the city’s general manager of infrastructure and water services. The intensity and localized nature of the storm created dramatically different conditions across the city. At the other end of town, the city said the Trim Road area of Orléans got just 15 millimetres.
The extreme weather cancelled Ottawa’s Canada Day evening festivities, including the traditional fireworks display, and left thousands of residents scrambling to protect their homes as water poured into basements faster than sump pumps could handle. The hardest-hit areas were concentrated in Ottawa’s west end, particularly in neighbourhoods near Graham Creek and Stillwater Creek, where the waterways overflowed their banks.
Beyond property tax relief, the city has activated multiple support programs for flood victims. The City will waive building permit fees for flood-related repairs, waive encroachment fees for waste containers used to collect storm debris, and expand the Compassionate Grant Program and Residential Protective Plumbing Program so more residents can access financial assistance.
Other assistance available
Compassionate Grant: $1,000 payment for basement flooding from sewer surcharge (expanded eligibility for July 1 event)
DRAO Program: Ontario’s Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians provides up to $250,000 for homeowners to cover cleanup, repairs, and emergency expenses not covered by insurance
Building permit fee waivers: No fees for flood-related repair permits
Sump pump assistance: Financial help through the Residential Protective Plumbing Program
For homeowners
What this means if you’re buying in Ottawa
Flood risk is now a critical consideration for Ottawa-area buyers
If you’re planning to buy a home in Ottawa or anywhere in Canada, the July 1 flooding underscores the growing importance of understanding flood risk before you make an offer. Climate scientists predict that extreme weather events like this will become more frequent, making flood zones a critical factor in home valuations and insurance costs. Many homeowners affected by the Canada Day storm discovered their insurance didn’t cover overland flooding—a costly gap that can leave you on the hook for tens of thousands in repairs.
Before buying, check whether the property is in a flood-prone area by reviewing municipal flood maps and asking the seller about past flooding incidents. Consider the added cost of comprehensive flood insurance, which many standard policies don’t include. If you’re looking at zero-down payment programs or first-time buyer assistance, factor in potential flood mitigation costs like sump pump installation, backwater valves, and foundation waterproofing.
For buyers specifically interested in Ontario, our comprehensive guide to buying a house in Ontario covers provincial programs, closing costs, land transfer taxes, and regional market conditions. Ottawa’s property tax relief program demonstrates that municipalities do offer support after disasters, but prevention is far more affordable than recovery. During your home inspection, specifically ask about drainage, sump pump capacity, and whether the basement has flooded previously—sellers are required to disclose known defects in most provinces.
The financial impact of flooding extends beyond immediate repairs. Homes with flood history can be harder to sell and may require higher insurance premiums for years. If you’re budgeting for a home purchase, build in a cushion for climate resilience improvements. Understanding what you can truly afford means accounting not just for the mortgage, but for the reality of maintaining and protecting your investment in an era of increasingly volatile weather.
Quick answers
Ottawa flood property tax relief: common questions
What’s the deadline to apply for property tax relief in Ottawa?
You must submit your application by February 28, 2027. The city accepts applications online, by email at taxadjustments@ottawa.ca, by mail to Revenue Services at 100 Constellation Drive, 4th Floor East, Ottawa, ON K2G 6J8, or by fax. Don’t wait until the last minute—gathering all the required documentation (photos, insurance reports, repair invoices) takes time.
Can I get a full property tax refund for 2026?
Yes, if your property was destroyed by the July 1 storm or damaged to the point that it’s substantially unusable. The city may cancel, reduce, or refund part of your 2026 property taxes depending on the extent of damage. Properties requiring repairs that prevent normal use for at least three months also qualify. The exact amount of relief depends on your individual circumstances and the documentation you provide.
What documentation do I need to submit with my application?
You’ll need to provide photos clearly showing the flood damage, insurance reports or claim denials, and documentation of repair costs such as contractor estimates or paid invoices. The city also requires proof of property ownership. Make sure photos are dated and show the extent of damage to your structure—pictures of water-damaged belongings alone may not be sufficient for property tax relief.
Does this property tax relief apply to basement flooding?
The property tax relief program is specifically for properties where the building was destroyed, rendered substantially unusable, or required repairs preventing normal use for at least three months. If your basement flooding meets these criteria, you may qualify. For basement flooding that doesn’t meet this threshold, you may be eligible for the city’s Compassionate Grant Program, which provides $1,000 for flooding from sewer surcharge events, with expanded eligibility for the July 1 storm.
Can I get both property tax relief and the provincial DRAO assistance?
Yes, these are separate programs and you can apply for both if you’re eligible. The City of Ottawa’s property tax relief reduces or refunds your municipal property taxes, while Ontario’s Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians (DRAO) program provides up to $250,000 to cover cleanup costs, essential property repairs, and emergency expenses not covered by insurance. However, DRAO is only available in specific flood-affected areas—check the provincial coverage map to see if your property qualifies.
What if I already paid my 2026 property taxes?
If you’ve already paid your property taxes and your application is approved, the city will refund the appropriate portion. The relief can take the form of a cancellation, reduction, or refund depending on your payment status and the extent of damage. Contact Revenue Services at 613-580-2444 to discuss your specific situation and ensure you receive any refund you’re entitled to.