WELCOME DOWNTOWN BRAMPTON FLOOD PROTECTION. Environmental Assessment Project DOWNTOWN BRAMPTON FLOOD PROTEC TION - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT

Transcription

1 WELCOME DOWNTOWN BRAMPTON FLOOD PROTECTION Environmental Assessment Project

2 PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE #1 WHY ARE WE HERE? 1. Introduce the Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project led by the TRCA and City of Brampton. 2. Seek your feedback on: the existing conditions and what issues and concerns are important to you. preliminary Alternative Solutions being considered to reduce flood risk in Downtown Brampton. proposed criteria to evaluate Alternative Solutions. Canada Warbler STAY IN TOUCH MEING FORMAT Open House Discussions 5:00 PM 7:00 PM Presentation 7:00 PM Additional Time for Discussion and Questions 8:00 PM 9:00 PM If you would like to receive updates on the project please send an with subject line: PIC#1 List your first and last name to or sign-up at the Registration Desk. For more information, please visit:

3 WORKING TOGHER Completion of the Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project EA is a critical step toward achieving the RIVERWALK a transformative opportunity for the City of Brampton. The project is being co-led by the City of Brampton and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.

4 BUILDING A VIBRANT CITY What does this project do for the city, its residents and our future? Removes or reduces existing flood risk to life and property, in the downtown, during extreme weather events. Removes or reduces current limitations on development in the downtown. Provides an opportunity to reconnect the city and its people to the river. Enables RIVERWALK, a transformative opportunity to help revitalize Brampton s downtown and make it healthy, sustainable and resilient. Meets the city s obligations to address flood risk through previous policy work on the Special Policy Area (2014). RIVERWALK The Riverwalk project is the key to revitalizing the downtown area. Brampton s vision is for this now largely inaccessible area of downtown to be transformed into the beating heart of a renewed and green urban centre. It will unlock development potential, create jobs, boost small business and support cultural events. The downtown will feature active transportation connections, transit connections, drive economic development, become a visitor attraction and source of civic pride. Flood Protection must be achieved to enable other revitalization projects for the downtown to proceed.

5 THE MUNICIPAL CLASS EA PROCESS The Downtown Brampton Flood The Class Environmental Assessment has There are many opportunities for the Protection Project is being planned as five phases that must be completed for a public to consult with the Study Team a Schedule C project pursuant to the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment. Schedule C project. throughout the process. PROBLEM OPPORTUNITY ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION DESIGN AND CONCEPT FOR PREFERRED SOLUTION ENVIRONMENTAL STUDY REPORT ANTICIPATED APPROVAL OF EA Fall 2018 Fall Winter 2019 Spring/Summer 2019 Fall Winter 2020 Summer 2020 WE ARE HERE

6 WHERE IS THE PROJECT? Existing flood protection (a concrete-lined by-pass channel) protects the downtown area from most storm events but not during extreme weather events such as during the Regulatory Flood, and it does not account for increased flooding due to climate change. This Project will consider alternative ways to reduce flood risk which will, in turn, unlock the potential for revitalization of the Downtown Core. REGULATORY FLOOD In Ontario, a regulatory flood is the extent of the floodplain that is used to regulate development and define risk. It is based on rainfall from Hurricane Hazel - the largest storm of record. By-pass Channel

7 HISTORY OF FLOODING Downtown Brampton experienced frequent flood events until a concrete by-pass channel was built in The 600m by-pass channel conveys flows from Church St near Ken Whillans Drive downstream under a CN/GO Rail Corridor to where it ends in Centennial Park. The concrete by-pass channel prevented significant damage and loss of life and property in downtown Brampton during Hurricane Hazel in The by-pass channel is not enough however, downtown Brampton is still vulnerable to flooding during extreme storm events, such as the regulatory flood. Missing images Photo Source: Region of Peel Archives.

8 FLOOD RISK 101 WHAT IS A FLOODPLAIN? The area beside a watercourse that would be covered in water by a flood event. WHAT IS A SPECIAL POLICY AREA? Special Policy Area A land use planning designation that acknowledges that there is already development in a flood vulnerable area and that only limited changes can be made to the development in the floodplain. WHAT IS THE REGULATORY FLOOD? The extent of flooding that would occur if a storm the size of Hurricane Hazel (the largest storm on record in southern Ontario) falls over an area.

9 WHY DOES DOWNTOWN FLOOD DURING A REGULATORY EVENT? HISTORIC MAP OF DOWNTOWN GO Station This is the natural path of the Etobicoke Creek before it was relocated HURRICANE HAZEL AND FUTURE STORMS Here is the by-pass channel Hurricane Hazel hit the province 2 years after the by-pass was completed. The by-pass channel was designed for extreme storms based on what was known in the 1950 s. We are now planning for future storm events. IT S A LOT OF WATER! All of the water from the Etobicoke Creek Watershed must flow through downtown Brampton. The river is collecting rainfall BY-PASS CHANNEL from almost 7,000ha of land!

10 WHAT IS THE PROBLEM? Flooding results in a significant risk to life and property. THE DOWNTOWN AREA IS AT RISK TO FLOODING FOR TWO REASONS: UPSTREAM: The river spills out of the valley north of Church St. UPSTREAM DOWNSTREAM: The river is not able to flow past Centennial Park freely and back-up out of the valley. DOWNSTREAM UPSTREAM AREA (north of Church St): The flood spills over the river banks just upstream of Church Street and flows through Downtown Brampton along the historic river valley before re-joining the river below the CN Railway. DOWNSTREAM AREA (through Centennial Park): Narrow valley conditions in Centennial Park cause the flood water to back-up, out of the river, finding its old valley and flooding portions of the downtown.

11 WHAT IS THE OPPORTUNITY? Development is restricted in Downtown Brampton because of flood risk. Reducing flood risk will create the opportunity to remove the SPA designation (as a whole, or in part) which would allow revitalization of the downtown core and reconnect the public to the river and enhanced open space. STAY TUNED... An Urban Design Master Plan is being developed to determine how and where development will THIS IMAGE IS A CONCEPT COPYRIGHT OF THE CITY OF BRAMPTON occur in future.

12 WHAT IS IN THE AREA? BUILT HERITAGE & ARCHAEOLOGY Built Heritage Studies show that the Project Location contains a number of designated heritage resources, listed heritage resources, and properties of potential heritage value. Archaeology A Stage 2 archaeological assessment is required prior to any ground disturbing activities within the following areas: - West side of Main Street north of Sir Lou Drive - West side of Main Street north of Charolais Boulevard - North side of Wellington Street between Main Street and George Street North

13 WHAT IS IN THE AREA? INFRASTRUCTURE & PLANNED TRANSIT The Environmental Assessment will take into account both existing and proposed infrastructure such as: Transit Roads High Speed Rail Watermains Sanitary Sewers Stormsewers Landfills Parks and more Sanitary trunk sewer

14 WHAT IS IN THE AREA? ECOLOGICAL CONDITIONS Great Horned owl This project provides an opportunity to improve ecological conditions. TERRESTRIAL Forest, successional, wetland and meadow habitats are present. Species recorded between 2010 and 2017: - 28 breeding bird species - 4 mammals* - 2 reptilian/amphibian - 1 of these is considered a species at risk * The 4 mammals were incidental sightings during field work AQUATIC Etobicoke Creek is classified as warm water habitat. Moderately diverse fish community. 11 fish species recorded between No endangered species of conservation concern. The most abundant species are tolerant to a variety of water temperature, sediment and water quality conditions.

15 WHAT IS IN THE AREA? SOCIO-ECONOMIC CONDITIONS Recreational green space: Duggan Park Rosalea Park Centennial Park Tennis courts Soccer fields and playgrounds Etobicoke Creek Trail The by-pass channel ends at a large outfall located in Centennial Park. Paved Trails in Centennial Park. Institutional facilities: St. Mary s Church, St. Mary s Elementary School St. Mary s Place Retirement Home Residential: Primarily single family homes The Etobicoke Creek Trail is a major active transportation route in a province wide network. The concrete by-pass channel is adjacent to Rosalea Park, Centennial Park and a CN/GO Rail Crossing. Four bridge crossings: Church Street Scott Street Queen Street CN Railway crossing at the southern end of the by-pass channel

16 WHAT IS IN THE AREA? SOCIO-ECONOMIC FUTURE CONDITIONS Riverwalk explores urban design and land use opportunities once flood risks are reduced. Options for revitalization of the Downtown Core will be consistent with the city s broader plans for the future - Brampton 2040 Vision: Living the Mosaic. Revitalization options will address sustainability and resilience (through integrative planning and development including interconnected green park networks), as well as economic development and cultural opportunities.

17 WHAT ARE FLOOD PROTECTION MEASURES? Previous technical studies have investigated a broad range of flood Flood Control protection options. This project focuses on flooding from the river. CATEGORIES OF FLOOD PROTECTION: FLOOD CONTROL Flood Berm Flood Protection Landform Dams/Reservoirs FLOW IMPROVEMENTS DIVERSION Improving the flow of water FLOODPROOFING Channel Modifications Bridge Upgrades

18 WHAT ARE ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS? Through the work of past studies, we understand the Existing Flood Risk by modelling where the water will flow, and how deep and fast it will be during the regulatory flood event. Past studies have also identified what alternative solutions are technically feasible to reduce flood risk. The do nothing alternative must be considered. ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS Alternative Solutions for this project are focused on flooding that is caused by the river flows (not sanitary sewer backups, are different ways to reduce flood risk to life and property. or flooding due to storm sewer capacity). However, alternatives must allow for urban runoff to reach the river.

19 PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS KEY MAP UPSTREAM AREA (north of Church St): VODDEN STRE 1. Block spill of water 2. Create more room in the valley 3. Widen and deepen the channel ELLEN STRE Do Nothing DOWNSTREAM AREA (through Centennial Park): CHURCH STRE 3 By-pass channel A. Block flow of water CENTRE STRE B. Create more room in the valley C. Enlarge bridge openings D. Do Nothing QUEEN STRE A B MAIN STRE CLARENCE STRE C Legend Regulatory Floodline DOWNTOWN BRAMPTON FLOOD PROTECTION - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESMENT

20 PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS Previous studies found that THREE different alternatives address the flooding problem from the upstream area into Downtown. R EE EE T TNN OR O T RHTH CHU RCH STR E CE EN NTTRR EESST TR QU UE EEEN NSSTT RR EE EE TT CH HU UR RCCHH SSTT RR EEE TT A structure called a Landform can be built to block the flood flows from spilling into the downtown core, and force them to remain in the river. CEN TRE STR E NOR TH QUE EN S TRE 1 Block the flow from spilling out of the channel UPSTREAM AREA REGULATORY FLOODPLAIN REGULATORY REGULATORYFLOODPLAIN FLOODPLAIN Existing IIN N SSTT RREE EE TTN N O O RT RH TH Proposed EN S TRE MA A QUE NS TR E FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY. ALL AREAS ARE SUBJECT TO A FULL EA EVALUATION, PLANNING AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PUBLIC. EL LE E EN NS QU UE E LEGEND REGULATORY FLOODPLAIN CH UR CH ST RE CH H H U URRC CHH SSTT RR E MA AIIN N SS TTRR EEEE TTN N OO RT RH T EE TT EL LLLEE N N SS STTRRE E EE TT TTRR EE EE TT FLOOD PROTECTION LANDFORM LEGEND REGULATORY FLOODPLAIN FPL - W SIDE SLOPE FPL - CREST FPL - DRY SIDE SLOPE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY. ALL AREAS ARE SUBJECT TO A FULL EA EVALUATION, PLANNING AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PUBLIC.

21 PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS 2 UPSTREAM AREA Create more room in the valley STR E NOR TH CEN TRE STR E NOR TH QUE EN S TRE TRE CHU RCH STR E CEN QUE EN S TRE CHU RCH STR E Create more room within the valley for flows by relocating Ken Whillans Drive to the west and cutting off the spill of water at Church Street by constructing a landform. REGULATORY FLOODPLAIN REGULATORY FLOODPLAIN CH O RT RH TH Existing SSTT RREE EE TTN N O O RT RH TH Proposed STR QUE EN IIN N E LE NS TR EL EN S TRE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY. ALL AREAS ARE SUBJECT TO A FULL EA EVALUATION, PLANNING AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PUBLIC. MA A UR CH ST RE SSTT RREE EE TTN N O LEGEND REGULATORY FLOODPLAIN CH IIN N QUE MA A UR CH ST RE EL LE NS TR EE EE T T FLOOD PROTECTION LANDFORM LEGEND REGULATORY FLOODPLAIN FPL - W SIDE SLOPE FPL - CREST FPL - DRY SIDE SLOPE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY. ALL AREAS ARE SUBJECT TO A FULL EA EVALUATION, PLANNING AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PUBLIC.

22 PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS UPSTREAM AREA 3 Create more room in the channel by deepening and/or widening More water can fit into the channel by making it Deeper and/or wider. CHURCH STRE Widen and/or deepen the by-pass channel CENTRE STRE QUEEN STRE Legend Regulatory Floodline A cross-section of the by-pass channel showing a wider and/or deeper channel. 4 Do nothing alternative In the next phase of the EA, we will evaluate Alternative Solutions including combinations of alternatives. DOWNTOWN BRAMPTON FLOOD PROTECTION - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESMENT

23 PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS A Block flow from spilling out of channel Previous studies found that THREE different alternatives address the flooding problem from the downstream area into Downtown. A structure called a Landform can be built to block the flood flows from backing up into the old valley. CE NT RE DOWNSTREAM AREA CE ST NT RE RE N CE NT RE ST RE N CE ST NT RE NO RT H RE ST RE NO RT H REGULATORY FLOODPLAIN FLOOD PROTECTION LANDFORM ELL CENTENNIAL PARK LEGEND REGULATORY FLOODPLAIN FPL - W SIDE SLOPE LEGEND REGULATORY FLOODPLAIN FPL - CREST FPL - DRY SIDE SLOPE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY. ALL AREAS ARE SUBJECT TO A FULL EA EVALUATION, PLANNING AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PUBLIC. Existing EN S TRE MAR Y ST REE T QUE EN S TRE EN S TRE ELL CENTENNIAL PARK QUE EN S TRE MAR Y ST REE T FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY. ALL AREAS ARE SUBJECT TO A FULL EA EVALUATION, PLANNING AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PUBLIC. Proposed

24 PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS DOWNSTREAM AREA B Create More Room in the Valley CENTRE STRE N Create more room in the valley for flows by removing former waste sites. CENTRE STRE NORTH REGULATORY FLOODPLAIN WIDENING WIDENING CENTENNIAL PARK CENTRE STRE Cross section of excavation QUEEN STRE MARY STRE CENTENNIAL PARK ELLEN STRE FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES ONLY. ALL AREAS ARE SUBJECT TO A FULL EA EVALUATION, PLANNING AND ENGAGEMENT WITH THE PUBLIC. This concept shows what it would look like if we excavate and widen the valley to create more room in the valley. DOWNTOWN BRAMPTON FLOOD PROTECTION - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESMENT

25 PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS DOWNSTREAM AREA C Enlarge bridge opening(s) Opening up the Clarence Street bridge will allow more flow to pass and stop it from backing up into the downtown near Centennial Park. CLARENCE STRE EXISTING CONDITION WIDENING BRIDGE WIDENING Aerial view of Clarence Street Bridge D Do nothing alternative DOWNTOWN BRAMPTON FLOOD PROTECTION - ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESMENT

26 HOW WILL WE CHOOSE THE BEST OPTION? PRELIMINARY EVALUATION CRITERIA NATURAL 1 SOCIAL TECHNICAL COST $ ENVIRONMENTAL ENVIRONMENT Removal or disturbance of vegetation communities Removal or disturbance of wildlife habitat Removal or disturbance to wetland habitats Removal or disturbance to aquatic habitats Accommodate planned development and or infrastructure changes Area removed from Regulatory Floodplain (SPA) Effects to servicing and utilities Disturbance or enhancement of public recreation spaces Changes to road network Removal or disturbance to private and public property and uses Effects to air quality Removal or disturbance of archaeological resources Effects on built and cultural heritage features and landscapes Ability to maintain public safety and emergency response times Conformity with approved/planned local and provincial plans, policies and regulations Effects on historical landfills Construction constraints and complexities Effects on upstream and downstream flood levels Effects on flood velocities and channel stability considerations Carbon footprint (CO2 emissions) Adaptability to future extreme weather conditions and events Capital Cost Operations and Maintenance Cost The criteria will be revised based on comments received and used to evaluate the Alternative Solutions.

27 THANK YOU We appreciate the time you have taken to learn more about the Downtown Brampton Flood Protection EA. HOW TO STAY CONNECTED: Next PIC tentatively scheduled for February Join our mailing list leave us an or mailing address so we can keep you up-to date as the study progresses. Contact the Project Team with any additional comments or questions at any time: DBFP EA Project Coordinator Project Management Office, Corporate Services Toronto and Region Conservation Authority 101 Exchange Avenue, Vaughan ON