Toronto —The Black and Lavender Creeks in the Rockcliffe-Smythe area of Toronto are being modified to reduce the risk of flooding due to the impacts climate change after a combined investment of more than $323 million from the federal government and the City of Toronto. This was announced by Minister Ahmed Hussen, Mayor Olivia Chow, and Councillor Frances Nunziata.
The recent flooding in Toronto after a storm caused significant damage to the area. To prevent this from happening again, and keeping the community safe, this project will modify the Black Creek and Lavender Creek channels, construct a new flood protection wall and several bridges, and complete culvert replacements. Improvements will also be made to the local sewer system and roads.
Making adaptation investments now not only helps keep people, homes, and businesses safe but will also have major economy-wide benefits later. Every dollar that is invested in adapting and preparing for climate-related disasters can return as much as $13 to $15 in benefits.
“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. Working with the City of Toronto, the federal government is making a significant investment that will help to mitigate the impacts of climate change-caused disasters, and build a more resilient future for residents.” – Hussen Ahmed, Minister of International Development and Member of Parliament for York South—Weston, on behalf of Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
“We welcome the continued partnership of the federal government in protecting the Rockcliffe-Smythe community from flooding. Each time it rains, residents of this community are worried their basements might flood and their homes might be damaged. 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.” – Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto