Flood-prone Toronto neighbourhood to get $320M in climate mitigation works

Funds to increase capacity of two channels, improve bridges and culverts

- BEN SPURR

Mayor Olivia Chow, with Ahmed Hussen, MP for York South-Weston, and local Coun. Frances Nunziata, on Friday announced more than $320 million in city and federal funding to floodproof the Rockcliffe-Smythe neighbourhood.

A Toronto neighbourhood that has suffered periodic flooding for years is slated for major infrastructure improvements to protect it from heavy storms. The federal government and city of Toronto announced Friday a joint investment of more than $320 million for flood protection initiatives in the west end area of Rockcliffe-Smythe.

Mayor Olivia Chow said the money will be used to increase the capacity of the Black Creek and Lavender Creek channels, construct a new flood wall on Weston Road, and improve bridges and culverts. Upgrades are also planned for local sewers and roads.

Speaking at the announcement Ahmed Hussen, who is local MP for York South—Weston, said "climate mitigation is now needed more than ever before.