This summer, letters from Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC) will be mailed to residents’ homes giving them the chance to buy into a warranty program that would help with the costs of repairs to underground water and sewer service lines, if the need arises. City of Ottawa staff say the relaunch of an insurance-like pipe protection program will incorporate lessons learned from 2021, when many residents were left confused and angry about the offer of voluntary coverage from a private company with the city’s endorsement.

This summer, letters from Service Line Warranties of Canada (SLWC) will be mailed to residents’ homes giving them the chance to buy into a warranty program that would help with the costs of repairs to underground water and sewer service lines, if the need arises. Homeowners are responsible for a portion of the pipes under their private properties that connect their homes to city-owned water and sewer lines — something many residents aren’t aware of, according to city staff. Drawing attention to this potential drain on homeowners’ wallets is a key argument at the city for its team-up with SLWC.