ICLR Friday Forum: Basement Flood Incentive Programs: How to Increase Participation (May 29, 2026)

On May 29, 2026 ICLR hosted a Friday Forum webinar titled 'Basement Flood Incentive Programs: How to Increase Participation', led by Emilia Cameron, ICLR's Manager of Climate Resilient Communities. Basement flood events are becoming more frequent across Canadian municipalities. In response, municipalities have introduced incentive programs to reduce risk at the household level, offering financial support such as rebates, loans or utility credits for measures like backwater valves and sump pumps. Drawing on a national review of nearly 40 programs, this presentation will examine key barriers to uptake and identify opportunities to improve program design to increase participation, reduce losses, and strengthen community resilience. Emilia Cameron is Manager of Climate Resilient Communities with the Institute for Catastrophic Loss Reduction (ICLR), based at the Resilience Display Centre in Winnipeg, Manitoba. She works with government, insurers, and community partners to advance practical strategies that reduce impacts of extreme weather and climate change. With a background in geography and over two years at ICLR, she focuses on building community resilience through education, partnerships, and informed decision-making.