Get a free consultation with us today
Contact us

City of Toronto – Basement Flooding Remediation and Water Quality Improvement Master Plan Class EA Study Area 34 Backup

Basement flooding is a pressing issue that impacts infrastructure, property values, and daily life. This case study will explore how the City of Toronto, with Civica Infrastructure Inc. and WSP Inc., tackled this problem head-on through a comprehensive Basement Flooding Remediation and Water Quality Improvement Master Plan Class EA Study.

Client Background

The City of Toronto has been grappling with basement flooding issues due to increasingly extreme rainfall events. To address this, the City enlisted the expertise of Civica, through WSP Inc. Civica’s role was to develop a robust remediation strategy following a Schedule B, Class EA process. With their extensive experience in hydraulic modelling, flood monitoring, and inflow/infiltration analysis, Civica was well-positioned to provide solutions tailored to the City’s unique challenges.

Project Description

The study focused on a 1,100-hectare area prone to basement flooding. To develop an effective remediation strategy, Civica undertook extensive field inspections, including visual downspout surveys and GPS surveys of catch basins and low-lying areas. They built a comprehensive InfoWorks ICM model that integrated sanitary, storm, combined, and overland systems in accordance with the City’s latest Modelling Guidelines. Civica also collaborated with the City and other consultants to establish additional Combined Modelling Guideline requirements, ensuring the model accurately represented the complex flood systems.

Relevance of Experience

Civica’s involvement in this project brought several key areas of expertise to the forefront:

  • Watershed Health Monitoring: Ensuring the broader environmental impact is considered.
  • Flow and Flood Monitoring: Tracking water flow and flood occurrences to provide accurate data for remedial measures.
  • Hydraulic Modelling: Creating detailed models to simulate and predict flood scenarios.
  • Inflow/Infiltration Analysis: Identifying and mitigating sources of unwanted water entering the system.
  • Public Engagement: Working closely with residents and stakeholders to develop effective, community-focused solutions.

Lessons Learned

Accurate Data Collection

One of the critical takeaways from the project was the importance of accurate and reliable model input data. Field investigations, additional flow and rainfall monitoring, and rigorous QA/QC measures were essential to ensure the success of the modelling outputs. Accurate data collection eliminated guesswork and provided a solid foundation for developing effective solutions.

Stakeholder Communication

Effective communication was another crucial factor. Consistent and active communication with multiple stakeholders, including the City and other consultants, ensured everyone was on the same page. Regular updates and collaborative meetings facilitated smoother project execution and quicker resolution of issues.

Recommended Remedial Measures

The study recommended several remedial measures to reduce inflow and infiltration (I/I) in the study area. These included:

  • Replacing perforated sanitary/combined sewer maintenance hole covers in separated and partially separated areas.
  • Conducting dye testing in homes to identify possible interconnections between storm drains and sanitary drains.
  • Identifying and eliminating connections of roof leaders to the sanitary sewer system.

Choose Civica for Expert Wastewater Management Solutions

The City of Toronto’s Basement Flooding Remediation and Water Quality Improvement Master Plan Class EA Study in Area 34 serves as a valuable case study. It highlights the importance of accurate data collection, effective stakeholder communication, and targeted remedial measures in addressing basement flooding issues.

To learn more about how expert flood analysis can benefit your projects, please contact Civica today.