September 14, 1998

To:Budget Committee

From:Barry H. Gutteridge, Commissioner of Works and Emergency Services

Subject:Basement Flooding Problems in the York Community

Purpose:

This report identifies the need to transfer funds to a new 1998 capital project that will address some of the basement flooding problems in the York Community. The work can be constructed in 1998 if approval is granted at the next Council meeting. The funding has been found from within a capital project in the York Community that was approved in 1998 plus an allocation from the Water Reserve Account.

Funding Sources, Financial Implications and Impact Statement:

A new capital project is proposed for 1998 in the York Community to start addressing the basement flooding that was experienced again this summer. Detention facilities are proposed on the combined sewers on both Commodore and Bowie Avenues. The estimated project funding is $300,000 and the design work has already been carried out in-house.

In the Council approved 1998-2002 Capital Works Program, funding in the amount of $200,000 is still available in the York Community Watermain Relining Project. The remainder of the funding in the amount of $100,000 is available in Water Reserve Account No. 901-542. The Watermain relining is funded from the water rate.

Recommendations:

It is recommended that:

(1) funding in the amount of $300,000 be approved for construction of detention facilities on Commodore and Bowie Avenues in the York Community, and

(2) funds be transferred from an approved 1998 Capital Project in the York Community plus the Water Reserve, as follows:-

$200,000 from Capital Project - Watermain Relining, and

$100,000 from Water Reserve Account No. 901-542.

History:

Basement flooding has been a frequent occurrence in many municipalities. Various programs were instituted by the previous area Councils to address flooding as a result of combined sewers or separate sewers backing up. The rate of expenditure on these relief programs varied among the municipalities so that differing degrees of flood protection exist across the City .

Comments:

During the summer storms this year there were many reports of basement flooding in the York Community and some suspect that not all homeowners reported their flooding situation. In fact several properties experienced repeated floodings and, on Commodore Avenue, one owner reported his fourth flooding on September 6, and further, his insurance company will no longer cover his home.

During the heaviest storm event 134 flooding reports were received and covered streets served by both combined and separate systems. The previous York Council had embarked on a program of flood relief using detention facilities to store sewage as well as limit the entry of storm water into the sewer system. There are two areas that need detention facilities on combined sewers and staff have identified the work necessary to complete the installation this year on the two streets in question, Commodore and Bowie Avenues.

Further work is required in future years and this will be detailed in the 1999 Capital Works program. In the mean time it is proposed that work start as soon as possible on these two streets. In order to limit the impact of this funding impact, staff from the York community have identified an approved 1998 capital project in York from which some funds can be transferred.

The work under the watermain relining has been completed and the $200,000 represents the surplus due to lower than expected rates.

Conclusion:

Recognising the impact of repeated floodings in certain areas of the York Community, we are proposing that work commence immediately on the construction of detention facilities on Commodore and Bowie Avenues. The work had been previously identified by York staff and a solution prepared. The funding has been found within work planned to be constructed from approved capital funds in the York Community, plus the Water Reserve Account.

Contact Name and Telephone Number:

Chi H. Ng

Director, Professional Services

Operations Services - York District

Phone: (416) 394-2648

Fax: (416) 394-2888

Michael A. PriceBarry H. Gutteridge

General ManagerCommissioner

Water and WastewaterWorks and Emergency Services

MAP/ji