Updated June 2021
The City of Toronto has completed a study to address flooding issues at the Lower Simcoe Underpass and to develop a plan to:
Through the study, the City has explored alternative solutions for mitigating flooding in the Lower Simcoe Underpass and is recommending a combination of sealing catch basins, the installation of a new Stormwater Pumping Station and redirecting the City’s drainage system in the area.
There are two other ongoing study and projects including the Basement Flooding Improvement Study (Area 62) and Don River and Central Waterfront & connected projects, that aim to improve water quality by reducing combined sewer overflows.
Lower Simcoe Underpass Flood Protection Study Completion Notice
Executive Summary – Please contact the staff listed should you require a full Project File
The purpose of the study is to address flooding issues at the Lower Simcoe Street Underpass, from Front Street to the Lake Ontario Shoreline, and to develop a plan to:
The City has completed a few temporary works to mitigate the flood risk. Additional infrastructure is required to manage the Combined Sewer and Storm Water. Purpose of this Class Environmental Assessment (EA) study is to identify alternatives for the two items identified above and determine preferred long term solutions to prevent flooding in the Underpass area.
Current studies, investigations and implementation projects in this area that will work in conjunction with the Lower Simcoe initiatives:
Since the Lower Simcoe underpass opened to the public in 2009, the area has experienced repeated flooding issues. An internal study completed by the City concluded that the flooding within Lower Simcoe area is due to:
The City has completed a few temporary works to mitigate the flood risk. Additional infrastructure is required for the Combined Sewer and the Storm Water. Purpose of this Class Environmental Assessment (EA) study is to identify other alternatives for the two issues identified above and determine preferred long term solutions for the two issues and prevent flooding within the Underpass.
The Ontario Class Environmental Assessment process provides the public and interested parties with opportunities to provide input at key stages of the study.
The City is holding a virtual meeting to share information regarding recommended solutions to reduce the risk of flooding in the Lower Simcoe Underpass area.
Thursday, December 10, 2020 at 6:00 pm to 7:30 pm
We would like to hear from you. If you are interested in this study, would like to comment, attend the virtual public meeting or add to the project mailing list for notification, please contact: mae.lee@toronto.ca
Each building, unit owner(s) is responsible for the operation and maintenance of drainage systems on private property, which includes:
How to file a claim for flood or sewer back-up damages
Ontario’s Environmental Assessment (EA) program promotes good environmental planning by determining and managing the potential effects of a project prior to implementation.
The EA program ensures that public concerns are heard. EA balances economic, social, cultural and natural environmental needs so that projects benefit Ontario.
This study is being carried out according to the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process. This is an approved approach to satisfying requirements of the Environmental Assessment Act specifically tailored to municipal infrastructure. The process includes identifying the problem or opportunity to be addressed, developing and evaluating a range of alternative solutions, providing opportunities for public input and identifying a preferred solution.