Flooding Studies for Areas 18 and 40
(Thanks to SAHRA Member MC Russell for summarizing City information for this article)
A plan for Basement Flooding Protection work was approved by Council in 2006. In accordance with the
requirements of the Province of Ontario’s Environmental Assessment Act, a Class Environmental
Assessment study must be completed that includes the evaluation of alternative solutions and
consultation with affected stakeholders before any work can be implemented in a given area.
At this time 32 study areas have been identified, each representing a sanitary sewer drainage area
serviced by underground sewer networks.
Flooding EA Map by Ward.pdf
A very detailed engineering assessment is required, typically over a two year period, to identify the most
efficient and preferred solution. The solutions are neighbourhood specific and consider local factors such
as the topography of the area, sewer system design and function, drainage associated with individual lots
and the road network.
Construction of storm drainage and sewer improvement works began in 2009 and will continue for years
to come. So far $32.8 million has been spent on 4.2 km of sewer upgrades benefitting 2840 properties at
high risk of flooding. Construction of a big project of retrofitting an above ground stormwater tank (at the
Wastewater Treatment Plant, North York), is on hold pending the Coxwell emergency bypass completion.
Flooding Areas 18 and 40.JPG
The Area 18 study of the area from Avenue over the Bathurst/Allen started in November, 2011 is
nearing completion and a project file will be released to the community in the local library for a 30 day
review (the release date will be in the local paper). The recommended solutions for Area 18 include (a)
new storm sewers (b) storm sewer upgrades (c) underground storage pipes and (d) storage tank
pumping. Once the study is completed, the recommended infrastructure improvement projects are
sequenced into a 5-year project list, which is presented annually to City Council, to undergo engineering
design and construction. Engineering design in Area 18 could begin as early as 2015 and this typically
takes two years to complete, followed by construction. As all projects cannot be implemented at the
same time, projects are prioritized as per Council approved criteria to protect the greatest number of
properties as soon as possible, within approved budgets and coordinated with other construction work.
2015 plus 2 years (design) plus 1 to 3 years of construction would call for completion between 2018 to
2020.
Flooding A18 Recommendations.pdf
The Area 40 (the SAHRA area) study will begin in 2015 and take 2 years to complete. A Study Report
(with recommendations) would be expected to be issued in late 2016. Public meetings will take place
when the study is initiated and at various stages of the process. The study would then follow the process
outlined above for sequencing in the 5-year project list and eventually a 2 year engineering design
period before construction would commence. 2017 plus 2 years (design) plus 1 to 3 years of
construction would call for completion between 2020 to 2022.
In the interim, the City of Toronto is strongly advocating/advertising that it is essential that homeowners
take the appropriate action to reduce the risk of basement flooding on their own private property. They
state “Those who isolate their home from the City’s sewer system can significantly reduce the risk of
basement flooding.”
To assist homeowners, the City offers owners of single-family, duplex and triplex residential homes a
financial subsidy of up to $3,400 per property to install flood protection devices including:
(a) Backwater valve
(b) Sump pump
(c) Pipe severance and capping
Further information on the program and the Application are available via this link:
2014 Flood Protection brochure_and_app.pdf