Flood proofing and Education 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.
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 will research various site-specific options for commercial properties that will include manufactured products, buildings modification, emergency preparedness planning, and other practices.
Below is a list of techniques that are available for flood proofing commercial properties along with fact sheets explaining each technique in more detail.
BUILDING MODIFICATIONS |
SITE MODIFICATIONS |
Waterproof exterior building walls |
Floodwalls |
Water tight Door Systems |
Flood Gates |
Water tight window systems |
Site Re-Grading |
Protection of utility equipment/ connections with sealants |
OWNER / TENANT RESPONSES |
Flood shields for openings in exterior walls |
Sandbags |
Storm and Sanitary Sewer Backflow Valves |
Water Activated Flood Barriers |
Creating new and elevating existing exterior stairways above the flood level |
OWNER / TENANT PRACTICES |
Flood Openings for Equalizations |
Storing Materials above the High Water Level |
Raise electrical and mechanical systems above the high water elevation |
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As part of this program, the City will be contacting the owners of eligible properties to complete a FREE flood risk
assessment.