This week's flood event will go down as the largest in Windsor's history.
A map showing where basement floods were reported in the City of Windsor, August 31, 2017.
The city has received over 3,800 calls for flooded basements and they expect that number to rise over the next week. In September 2016, 3100 homes reported flooding.
The Town of Tecumseh saw 150 basements flooded and in Lakeshore around 500 residents reported flooding.
The cities of Windsor, Tecumseh, and Lakeshore have applied to the province for access to the disaster assistance relief fund. The minister of municipal affairs will be in the region early next week to assess the damage from the storm.
"I know some folks have been disgruntled and disappointed in the past as they've applied for that program and either been denied or they've only seen a portion of their claim reimbursed. But it's the only tool that the three of us have," says Dilkens referring to himself, Tecumseh Mayor Gary McNamara, and Lakeshore Mayor Tom Bain.
Dilkens says they will also lobby the provincial government to create an insurance program for residents who no longer qualify for traditional insurance.
"You have to be able to afford people the opportunity to buy peace of mind so that when they leave their house they know if something bad happens, that they would have some kind of insurance that would help offset the costs of getting things back to normal," says Dilkens.
Dilkens says he would also like to see the city fund 100% of the cost for the downspout disconnection, sump pump, and back water valve installation subsidy program. Currently the city funds up to 80% of the costs. The request will go to council next week.
There are 882 residents waiting to take advantage of the program. If approved by council they will qualify for the 100% funding. Funding 100% of the program will cost the city upwards of $1-million.