​BRAMPTON, ON (November 18, 2020) – Today, the Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, joined area MPs and Members of City Council, to announce that the City of Brampton will receive more than $38 million towards flood mitigation in downtown Brampton, moving the City one step closer to realizing its Riverwalk project.

The City’s application Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project has been approved by the Government of Canada. This approval comes following the successful review of the project under the terms and conditions of the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF).

Key elements of this project will aim to widen a 600 metre concrete channel through downtown Brampton, replace bridges and raise roadways. The current channel, built in 1952, will be widened and deepened to increase Etobicoke Creek capacity levels, bridges in the project area will be replaced with larger span structures and higher roadways will prevent flooding into urban areas.

Federal funding of the project from the DMAF will be up to 40 per cent of the total eligible project costs, to a maximum federal contribution of $38,852,397.

Riverwalk is a transformational initiative that will unlock the economic potential of downtown Brampton. In September 2020, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks gave approval to the Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Environment Assessment, which identified an engineering solution to reduce the existing flooding risk in the area and to help address the provincial planning restrictions currently in place.

A complementary open space plan for Riverwalk is also currently being developed. The Riverwalk Area Urban Design Master Plan is an open space master plan that will develop concepts for the aesthetic treatment of the flood infrastructure, the open space system along the valley, integration of active transportation network, environment and economic sustainability, public health issues and programming, and implementation of the overall vision for Riverwalk.

About Riverwalk
Downtown Brampton lies within the Etobicoke Creek floodplain. Provincial policies around hazard management have so far restricted the type and amount of development that can occur there today. Riverwalk is a two-part solution to removing the flood risks and creating a new, open urban space that will help revitalize Brampton’s downtown and make it healthy, sustainable and resilient.
 
With the removal of the existing flood risk and the future removal of restrictions on planning and development in downtown Brampton, the Riverwalk envisions a remade Etobicoke Creek through the area, surrounded by public spaces and parks connected by the Etobicoke Creek valley corridor and a trail system. It is expected to unlock 3.6 million square feet of residential, commercial and retail space in the downtown, creating more than 23,000 jobs and a $1.4 billion impact on the GDP.

For more information on Riverwalk visit www.brampton.ca/riverwalk  

Quotes
“Brampton City Council is committed to unlocking the potential of downtown Brampton and being a Green City that is strong, resilient and sustainable. This is a much welcome announcement from the Government of Canada, as it will not only move us one step closer to realizing the transformational Riverwalk project, but will also revitalize our community and put Brampton on the map for its innovative and impactful solution to mitigating flood risk, generating development and creating jobs, and improving public space for all to enjoy.”
- Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“Brampton is a City of Opportunities that is dedicated to supporting a creative, innovative, and entrepreneurial environment, with a vibrant and growing downtown. Flood risk has been a barrier to development and growth in Brampton for decades, which when addressed through the City’s flood protection project, will enable the City to move forward by building Riverwalk and creating spaces for residents and visitors to enjoy for years to come.”
- Paul Vicente, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 & 5, Chair, Public Works and Engineering, City of Brampton

“With this funding from the Government of Canada, the City of Brampton will not only be able to reduce the flood risk in downtown Brampton, but also generate urban growth and development and attract investment in the area. The transformational Riverwalk initiative will allow us to continue to build a downtown that is sustainable, healthy and resilient, and an enjoyable space for all who live and visit there.”
- Pat Fortini, Regional Councillor, Wards 7 & 8, Vice Chair, Public Works and Engineering, City of Brampton

“Riverwalk is an exciting initiative that City staff have been working on diligently for a number of years. It is exciting to see this move forward and come to fruition. Aligned with Term of Council Priorities, Riverwalk is a transformational initiatives that will support downtown revitalization and new developments, creating complete communities and reinforcing Brampton’s position on the Innovation Corridor.”
- David Barrick, Chief Administrative Officer, City of Brampton

“The Government of Canada is helping communities such as Brampton better manage the risks of disasters triggered by severe weather events and a changing climate. This important project will improve the resilience of 3,665 people across 31 hectares exposed to flooding in the downtown core. Through our Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, we’re investing more than $38.8 million to help transform Brampton with flood protection that will protect residents, their households and local businesses.”
- The Honourable Catherine McKenna, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

“The Government of Canada is proud to partner with the City of Brampton for infrastructure enhancements made through the Downtown Brampton Flood protection project. The upgrades will not only protect our residents and business owners, it will also help with the revitalization and transformation of Brampton’s downtown core.”
- Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South

“Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is pleased to continue to work with our government partners to reduce flood risk to the downtown core, while revitalizing and providing ecological benefits for Etobicoke Creek. Advancing the Downtown Brampton Flood Protection project is a critical step towards achieving The City of Brampton’s Riverwalk – a transformative opportunity for the City and its residents.
- Jennifer Innis, Chair of the Board of Directors, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority