Federal Government and City of Toronto partner to protect communities from worsening floods

The Black and Lavender Creeks in the Rockcliffe-Smythe area of Toronto are being modified to reduce the risk of flooding due to the impacts climate change after a combined investment of more than $323 million from the federal government and the City of Toronto.

"The Rockcliffe-Smythe area is extremely vulnerable to the impacts of more frequent and severe storms. Recent flooding demonstrates the need for a robust and improved infrastructure to protect residents, property and the community. Working with the City of Toronto, the federal government is making a significant investment that will help to mitigate the impacts of climate change-caused disasters, and build a more resilient future for residents."

The Honourable Hussen Ahmed, Minister of International Development and Member of Parliament for York South-Weston, on behalf of the Honourable Sean Fraser, Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities

"We welcome the continued partnership of the federal government in protecting the Rockcliffe-Smythe community from flooding. Each time it rains, residents of this community are worried their basements might flood and their homes might be damaged. By investing in flood protection, we can mitigate the costly impacts of flooding on people's homes and our public infrastructure. Together, we can help make the Rockcliffe-Smythe community more resilient to the impacts of climate change."

Olivia Chow, Mayor of Toronto

"In the wake of floods that have devastated countless families, the long-overdue mitigation strategies bring a long-awaited sense of hope and relief to our community. This proactive step not only addresses the immediate needs but also stands as a testament to our collective commitment to safeguarding the future of the Rockcliffe-Smythe community. This project will make our neighborhood safer and more resilient in the face of climate change for years to come."

Frances Nunziata, Councillor for York South-Weston

• The federal government is investing over $129.3 millionin this project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) and the City of Toronto is contributing over $193.7 million.

• The DMAF program supports projects that include new construction of public infrastructure or the modification or reinforcement of existing public infrastructure that help communities withstand natural disasters and climate-related risks.

• Eligible recipients include municipalities, local governments, provinces and territories, public sector bodies, Indigenous organizations, not-for-profit, and for-profit organizations in partnership with other eligible applicants outside the private sector. Projects must have a minimum of $1 millionin total eligible costs to be considered eligible.

• Since 2018, the federal government has committed over $3.8 billionto the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. Part of this commitment is $489.1Min funding from the Adaptation Action Plan, which was released in November 2022 alongside Canada's National Adaptation Strategy: Building Resilient Communities and a Strong Economy. Overall, the National Adaptation Strategy commits $1.6 billionin new federal funding to help address both immediate and future climate risks to Canadian communities.

Associated links

• Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund
• Canada's National Adaptation Strategy
• Strengthened Climate Plan
• Housing and Infrastructure Project Map
• Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario

For more information (media only), please contact:

Micaal Ahmed
Communications Manager
Office of the Minister of Housing, Infrastructure and Communities
343-598-3920
[email protected]

Media Relations
Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada
613-960-9251
Toll free: 1-877-250-7154
Email: [email protected]
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Web: Housing, Infrastructure and Communities Canada

Media Relations
City of Toronto
Email: [email protected]

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