Burlington invests $5M in stormwater improvements to fight flooding

The City of Burlington announced Thursday a new investment of over $5 million in storm water improvements to help protect homes, roads, and natural areas from flooding.

They outlined projects that are underway and provided information on how residents can protect themselves.

The city saw devastating flooding around this time last year, and as the summer rainy season approaches, residents are sparking calls of concern for the city to do more.

“With climate change, we will see warmer, wetter, wilder weather, and we need to be ready,” said Mayor of Burlington Marianne Meed Ward.

Last year in July, Burlington saw devastating flooding.

It was cause by two back-to-back storms that saw creeks overflow, destroying basements and people’s belongings in them.

“People had up to eight or nine feet of water in their backyard in some lower lying areas,” said Ward. “You can dig out and clean up, but there is a lot of emotional ongoing trauma and there is significant financial distress for residents.”

It was a painful repeat of flooding that happened back in 2014, and now with the threat of summer rain returning, Ward said the city has launched a flood resilience campaign to combat it.

“Every year during our budget process, we approve a capital budget, and year over year we have increased funding available for flood mitigation – this year the allocation is $5 million,” said Ward.

The city’s latest projects include Tuck Creek flood mitigation, a New Street Bridge replacement, Appleby Creek erosion control, and a Lower Rambo Creek flood mitigation environmental assessment.

“That’s what’s on our radar for this year, but we have a 10 year capital plan where we will continue to be making investments in flood mitigation infrastructure,” said Ward.

Ward said climate change is making short-duration downpours more frequent, and even the strongest stormwater management infrastructure could become overwhelmed.

Burlington city staff has tips for residents to protect themselves.

“There is funding available through city and region for backflow valves, [and] assessments on how to do flood protection in your home,” said Ward.

Ward also said there will be a virtual meeting hosted by the province on June 19, for those who were affected by last year’s flooding.

The meeting will provide information on the Disaster Relief Assistance Program.

WATCH MORE: Stoney Creek couple says city negligence to blame for flood damage to home