Flood Proofing Program

In the 1960s, The Don Mills Channel was realigned and confined to a relatively narrow corridor through urban development. The current system of open channels and culverts does not have enough capacity to handle storm water runoff during large storm events causing floods in the area of both businesses and major roads.

Don Mills Channel Area in 1954 (not developed)

Don Mills Channel Area in 1989 (developed)

To help property owners and tenants within the area withstand larger storm events, the City of Markham is developing a Flood Proofing Program. This program will help owners and tenants identify site-management and flood proofing measures that can help protect their properties and assets from damage. Through this program, the City has researched various site-specific options for commercial properties including manufactured products, buildings modification, emergency preparedness planning, and other practices.

Know Your Risks

You can take the following steps to prepare for a flood and reduce the likelihood of damage

Before a Flood:

Flood Preparedness and Response Plan

Develop an emergency preparedness and response plan for your property and share it with your employees.

Review the City of Markham’s flood emergency preparedness recommendations and the TRCA’s flood preparedness tips to make sure you are protecting your business from damage.

See here for a template and instructions on how to complete your Flood Emergency Response Plan.

Here are some key items in the preparedness and response plan for flood emergencies:

1	Plans to relocate critical contents into higher floors, taking into account the time and attention needed to move such contents safely. Hazardous materials should be relocated or sealed.
2	Notification to car owners to avoid parking their vehicles in flood-prone areas.
3	Evacuation plans to ensure that occupants are not stranded in the building, including driving routes to avoid flooded roads.
4	Turn off power, gas, and water at the main switch.
5	Ensure sump pump is working; have a battery back-up.
6	Clear eaves troughs, catch basins, culverts and drainage ditches.
7	After the flood, do not enter your business until municipal authorities state it is safe to do so.
8	Check building for foundation damage and make sure all overhangs are supported.
9	Contact professionals for basement dewatering, cleaning of contaminated material and servicing appliances.

Additional resources are available at York Region’s Business Continuity Template and Flooding: Health, Safety and Environmental Issues Fact Sheet.

Flood Insurance

Review your insurance policy to ensure you are adequately covered, and ensure your insurance coverage includes sewer back-up provisions. Visit the Insurance Bureau of Canada: Disaster – Water for flood protection and insurance tips.

The City of Markham has made significant infrastructure investments in flood control improvements, which will help protect public and private property and will make critical infrastructure more resilient to extreme weather. Markham is challenging the insurance industry to consider these changes as part of the insurance rate setting. You are encouraged to share information about the City’s flood mitigation work with your insurance agents as part of their policy renewal discussions.

During a Flood:

Remember that lives are more important than property. This is why sharing your Flood Preparedness and Response plan with all employees is key prior to a flood event. Key phone numbers and contacts to reach during a flood can be found on the back of this brochure.

After the Flood and Recovery:

Do not enter your business until municipal authorities state it is safe to do so
Check building for foundation damage
Contact professionals for basement dewatering, cleaning of contaminated material and servicing appliances

If you have costs related to a natural disaster, visit The Disaster Recovery Assistance for Ontarians program to see if you qualify for assistance.

Flood Proofing Program

Know Your Risks

Before a Flood:

Flood Preparedness and Response Plan

Flood Insurance

During a Flood:

After the Flood and Recovery:

Be Prepared

Flood Information Sources

Stay Informed

Who to Contact during a Flood

Floodproofing Techniques

Building Modifications:

Site Modifications:

Owner / Tenant Responses:

Owner / Tenant Practices:

Site-Investigation and Recommendation:

Flood Proofing Techniques