Markham continues to invest in infrastructure to improve flood control in West Thornhill

Earlier today, Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Members of Council were joined by project design and construction contractor representatives, along with members of the Grandview Area Resident Association to celebrate a milestone in Markham's Flood Control Program in West Thornhill: the groundbreaking for phase 2B and the completion of phases 1C and 2A. The West Thornhill community was identified as the highest priority for stormwater and wastewater infrastructure improvements in the City of Markham through a comprehensive study and planning process that began in 2005.

As flooding persists as a problem for many Canadian communities, the City of Markham continues to invest in its infrastructure to minimize the impacts that these municipalities now face.

Markham’s storm system upgrades complement the ongoing wastewater system improvements that the City has initiated in West Thornhill over the past five years, such as downspout disconnection and sewer lining. Together, these activities increase the resiliency of our neighbourhoods for extreme weather events by helping to protect property and city infrastructure.

The stormwater work completed to-date in West Thornhill includes:

• More than 3 km of upgraded 100-year storm sewers
  
• Storm sewers that are up to four times larger than the original sewers installed in the 1960s
  
• More than 180 new manholes, catch basins and super catch basins
  
• Several large water quality treatment devices at the outlets to the Don River to help restore watershed quality
  

The cost of these improvements totals $28.5M, including phases 1C and 2A. This has been supported by federal gas tax funding that the City has allocated to these important works, along with the recently implemented Stormwater Fee. Upon completion of phase 2B stormwater upgrades, Grandview Park in West Thornhill will be transformed to include a new splash pad, skate park, ice pad and band shell to enhance the use of the public space.

Over the course of 2017, the City of Markham will undertake several community legacy projects such as this one in celebration of Canada 150 – projects that will provide lasting positive effects on the community and protect our environment.

Quotes

• “Stormwater upgrades in Markham are a significant investment in infrastructure that will serve the community for at least one hundred years,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “Infrastructure renewal of this scale is not commonplace in municipalities. But this work is important because it reflects Markham’s commitment to help protect property and public safety, and contribute to safe and sustainable communities.”

• “Residents of West Thornhill and across the City supported the planning study that initiated the extreme weather resiliency improvements,” said Ward 1 Councillor Valerie Burke. “And local residents in Ward 1 were instrumental in setting the levels of service for the sewer upgrades, and participated actively through the liaison committee.”

Photos

Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Councillor Valerie Burke breaking ground for phase 2B to improve flood control in West Thornhill.

Mayor Frank Scarpitti and Councillor Valerie Burke were joined by project design and construction contractor representatives, along with members of the Grandview Area Resident Association and local students to celebrate a milestone in Markham’s Flood Control Program in West Thornhill.

RESOURCES

Read Mayor Frank Scarpitti's open letter to the Insurance Bureau of Canada regarding Markham’s Flood Control Program and insurance rates.
Learn more about Markham's Flood Control Program.
View from today's event.

For more information:

Markham Mayor Frank Scarpitti: mayorscarpitti@markham.ca or 905.475.4872.
Media inquiries / interview requests: Corporate Communications & Community Engagement Department at media@markham.ca or 905.415.7548.