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 targeted area is Rockcliffe-Smythe, along Black Creek in northwest Toronto, a neighbourhood known for high risk of riverine and urban flooding. The presence of Black Creek as well as Lavender Creek, which can overflow during heavy rainfall, makes the area particularly vulnerable to flooding. International Development Minister Ahmed Hussen and Toronto Mayor Olivia Chow announced the funding on Aug. 30 in response to recent storm damage in Toronto in July. 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....