Brampton, Ontario, April 3, 2019-Now more than ever, communities need help adapting to the frequent and intensifying weather events caused by climate change. Reducing the impact of natural disasters such as flooding and wildfires is critical to keeping Canadian families safe, protecting local businesses and supporting a strong economy and the middle class.
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities and Jennifer Innis, Chair of the Board of Directors for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), today announced funding for erosion protection initiatives in Toronto, Peel and York regions.
In recent years, severe storms in the Toronto region have caused significant erosion, damaging residential and commercial properties, recreational trails, roads, water mains and sanitary sewer lines, and making these sites more vulnerable to future severe weather events. In response, the Toronto Region Ravine Erosion Management and Hazard Mitigation Project will address erosion at 111 locations in the Region of Peel, York Region and the City of Toronto over the next 10 years.
Work being done as part of this project includes protecting local homes and roads from slope instability, safeguarding public spaces like Brampton's Don Doan Recreational Trail, Thornhill's Bercy (Wycliffe) Park and Toronto's Ernest Seton Park and more.
The Government of Canada is contributing over $22 million to this project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. Toronto and Region Conservation Authority's partner municipalities are covering the remainder.
"Taking measures to prevent erosion along the ravine system will help protect families and businesses in Toronto, Peel and York during severe storms and the spring thaw. Investing in infrastructure increases the quality of life of residents and their children. These investments create good, well-paying middle class jobs, and set the stage for long-term economic growth that benefits everyone."
The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities
"Extreme weather is becoming more severe, more frequent, more damaging and more expensive because of climate change. By investing in the infrastructure that protects our neighbourhoods, businesses, and families, we are building communities that can withstand future natural disasters and thrive for generations to come."
The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety
"Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is committed to protecting people, property, and reducing the potential for costly erosion damage in our jurisdiction. The Toronto Region Ravine Erosion Management and Hazard Mitigation project will help TRCA and our partners reduce negative impacts from erosion and make our communities more resilient. We look forward to working with our municipal partners to implement this plan thanks to the Government of Canada's generous contribution."
Jennifer Innis, Chair of the Board of Directors, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority
"This funding will help address erosion throughout the Humber River watershed and mitigate the severe impacts erosion has on communities in Caledon and Peel Region. I want to thank our Federal partners for making key investments in municipal infrastructure that will sustain and protect our natural and built environment."
Allan Thompson, Mayor, Town of Caledon
"We appreciate the funding announced by the Government of Canada for erosion protection. We have a vast network of trails in Brampton that will benefit from this initiative. Our staff at the City of Brampton will work in cooperation with the TRCA to keep our residents, trails, and commercial properties safe from natural disasters."
Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton
Quick facts
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The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) is a $2-billion, 10-year program to help communities build the infrastructure they need to better withstand natural hazards such as floods, wildfires, earthquakes and droughts.
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DMAF is part of the federal government's Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, which is providing more than $180 billion over 12 years for public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and rural and northern communities.
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Investing in green infrastructure that helps communities cope with the intensifying effects of climate change is an integral part of Canada's transition to a more resilient, low-carbon economy, which is among the commitments made under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.
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Budget 2019, Investing in the Middle Class, is the government's plan to create more good well-paying jobs, put homeownership within reach of more Canadians, help working people get the training they need to succeed, support seniors, and lay the foundation for national pharmacare.
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Announcements in Budget 2019 build on the Government's Investing in Canada Plan, under which the Government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years to build infrastructure in communities across the country.
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With many municipalities across Canada facing serious infrastructure deficits, Budget 2019 proposes a one-time transfer of $2.2 billion through the federal Gas Tax Fund to address short-term priorities in municipalities and First Nations communities.
