Toronto Flood-Prone Area to Get $323M in Federal and City Funding

The federal government and the City of Toronto have announced a joint investment of over $323 million to build flood protection infrastructure in a Toronto neighbourhood prone to severe flooding.
The federal government is contributing over $129.3 million, while the City of Toronto is providing more than $193.7 million. The project will modify the Black Creek and Lavender Creek channels, build a flood protection wall and several bridges, complete the replacement of culverts, and improve the local sewer system and roads.
“The Rockcliffe-Smythe area is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of more frequent and severe storms. Recent flooding demonstrates the need for a robust and improved infrastructure to protect residents, property and the community,” Hussen said in the press release announcing the project.
Chow highlighted concerns from local residents regarding basement flooding and home damage.
“By investing in flood protection, we can mitigate the costly impacts of flooding on people’s homes and our public infrastructure. Together, we can help make the Rockcliffe-Smythe community more resilient to the impacts of climate change,” she said in the Aug. 30 press release.
The release noted that these investments also offer long-term economic benefits, with every dollar spent potentially returning as much as $13 to $15 in benefits.
Councillor Frances Nunziata, who represents Toronto’s York South—Weston ward where Rockcliffe-Smythe is located, described the project as a “long-overdue” mitigation measure that brings hope and relief to the community.