In the wake of last week’s record rainfall, which saw 25% more rain in just three hours than what typically falls in the entirety of July, the importance of stormwater management civil engineering has never been clearer. Toronto alone experienced an unprecedented downpour, leading to significant flooding in various parts of the city.
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority issued warnings about the susceptibility of areas near shorelines, rivers, and streams to flooding. With over a dozen rivers and streams, metropolitan areas like Toronto face considerable risk from rising water levels. This intense storm brings us back to the severe 2013 flood that left 300,000 people without power and stranded over 1,000 passengers on a flooded train.
Effective stormwater management is crucial in mitigating such impact. Civil engineers specializing in this field design and implement systems to manage and redirect excess water, reducing the risk of flooding and protecting urban infrastructure. As seen across multiple areas prone to flooding that were not closed in time, the consequences of inadequate stormwater management can be severe.
Investing in advanced stormwater management solutions ensures cities like Toronto can better withstand extreme weather events, protecting residents and infrastructure from the devastating effects of urban flooding.
How We Can Help
At WalterFedy, we provide innovative water resource solutions including erosion and sediment control, reduced site disturbance, and comprehensive stormwater management. Our civil engineering team has integrated significant stormwater management components into numerous development and infrastructure projects. Road reconstruction is designed to enhance water quality when compared to neighborhoods that previously lacked stormwater controls. These projects involve close consultation with local municipalities and conservation authorities, feasibility assessments, and measures to decrease peak flows and alleviate historic flooding issues.
WalterFedy designs stormwater management facilities that provide quantity control of runoff to protect sites and communities from flooding and receiving watercourses from erosion, as well as water quality treatment to safeguard the environment. Through our work, we aim to ensure urban resilience and environmental stewardship in the face of increasingly extreme weather events.