DOWNTOWN BRAMPTON FLOOD PROTECTION

Environmental Assessment

PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE #3DECEMBER 5, 2019

We acknowledge the land we are standing on is the traditional territory of many nations including the Mississaugas of the

Credit, the Anishnabeg, the Chippewa, the Haudenosaunee and the Wendat peoples and is now home to many diverse First

Nations, Inuit and Métis peoples.

LAND ACKNOWLEDGEMENT

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WELCOME TO THE PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE #3

Present the Preferred Alternative Design Concept and detailed impact assessment

Seek your feedback on:• The Preferred Alternative Design Concept• Detailed impact assessment • Your issues and concerns

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WHY ARE WE HERE?

Consultation Activities in Phase 3: Technical Advisory Committee Meeting #3

Executive Steering Committee Meeting #3

Potentially Affected Landowners Meeting #3

Community Liaison Committee Meeting #3

Public Information Centre #3

(December 5, 2019)

The Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project has completed the second round of Public Consultation activities and is now in Phase 3 of the Municipal Class EA.

PROJECT UPDATE PUBLIC CONSULTATION

Consultation Activities in Phase 2: Technical Advisory Committee Meeting #2

Executive Steering Committee Meeting #2

Community Liaison Committee Meeting #2

Public Information Centre #2

(May 30, 2019)

Spring 2019Fall 2018 Summer/Fall 2019

Fall 2019 - Winter 2020 Summer 2020

ProblemOpportunity

AlternativeSolutions Environmental

Study Report

Design Concepts for Preferred

SolutionAnticipated

Approval of EA

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WE ARE HERE

WHERE IS THE PROJECT?

• Existing flood protection (a concrete-lined bypass channel) protects the downtown area from most storm events.

• It does not provide protection during extreme weather events such as during the Regulatory Flood, and it does not account for future flooding due to climate change.

• This Project will consider alternative ways to reduce flood risk which will, in turn, unlock the potential for revitalization and redevelopment to its full potential of the Downtown Core.

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In Southern Ontario, this is the extent of the flood plain that is used to regulate development and define risk. It is based on rainfall from Hurricane Hazel – the largest storm of record.

REGULATORY FLOOD

WHAT IS THE PROBLEM?

Flooding results in a significant risk to life and property.

THE DOWNTOWN AREA IS AT RISK TO FLOODING FOR TWO REASONS:

UPSTREAM: The river “spills” out of the valley north of Church St.

DOWNSTREAM: The river is not able to flow past Centennial Park freely and backs-up out of the valley.

The flood spills over the river banks just upstream of Church Street and flows through Downtown Brampton along the historic river valley before re-joining the river below the CN Railway.

UPSTREAM AREA (north of Church St):

Narrow valley conditions in Centennial Park cause the flood water to ‘back-up’, out of the river, finding its old valley and flooding portions of the downtown.

DOWNSTREAM AREA (through Centennial Park):

WHAT IS THE OPPORTUNITY?

• Development is restricted in Downtown Brampton because of flood risk.

• Reducing flood risk will create the opportunity to remove the SPA designation (as a whole, or in part) which would allow revitalization of the downtown core and reconnect the public to the river and enhanced open space.

STAY TUNED... An Urban Design (Open Space) Master Plan is being developed to complement the EA with focus on the open space and public realm opportunities.

CONCEPT USED FOR ILLUSTRATIVE PURPOSES

WHAT WE HEARD AT PUBLIC INFORMATION CENTRE (PIC) #2

Common questions at PIC #2:• Why are we doing this project and how will it be paid for?• What is the relationship of the DBFP EA to other Downtown

Brampton projects?• Is there land available for flood protection?• What changes are proposed and how will this impact our

existing infrastructure?

Some issues that were raised include:• Property impacts and uncertainties.• Importance of public space and opportunities for

active transportation.• Natural environment improvements.

COMBINATION OF PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS KEY MAP

UPSTREAM AREA

DOWNSTREAM AREA

1. Block the flow from spilling out of the channel2. Create more room in the valley3. Create more room in the channel by deepening and/or

widening4. Do nothing alternative5. Combination of 1 and 3 = Block the flow from spilling

out of the channel + Create more room in the channel6. Combination of 2 and 3 = Create more room in the

valley + Create more room in the channel

A. Block the flow from spilling out of channelB. Create more room in the valleyC. Enlarge bridge opening(s)D. Do nothing alternativeE. Combination of B and C = Create more room in the

valley + enlarge bridge opening(s)

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AB

C

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SCREENING OF PRELIMINARY ALTERNATIVE SOLUTIONS

Alternative solutions were screened to determine if they could address the upstream or downstream spills. Those that could not were dropped from further consideration.

UPSTREAM ALTERNATIVES SCREENING QUESTION

1. Block the flow from spilling out of the channel NO

2. Create more room in the valley NO

3. Create more room in the channel by deepening and/or widening

YES

4. Do nothing alternative NO

5. Combination of 1 and 3 = Block the flow from spilling out of the channel + Create more room in the channel by deepening and/or widening

YES

6. Combination of 2 and 3 = Create more room in the valley + Create more room in the channel by deepening and/or widening

YES

DOWNSTREAM ALTERNATIVES SCREENINGQUESTION

A. Block the flow from spilling out of channel NO – BLOCKS URBAN DRAINAGE

B. Create more room in the valley NO

C. Enlarge bridge opening(s) NO

D. Do nothing alternative NO

E. Combination of B and C = Create more room in the valley + Enlarge bridge opening(s)

NO

Is the alternative able to eliminate the upstream spill during a Regulatory Flood event without causing flooding upstream?

Is the alternative able to eliminate the remaining downstream spill during a Regulatory Flood event without causing flooding upstream?

PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE SOLUTION PRESENTED AT PIC #2

WIDENING: the base of the channel by 5 m and the top of the channel by 20 m, for a total corridor width of 50 m

DEEPENING: by a total of approximately 1.2 m

6 Combination of 2 and 3 = Create more room in the valley + Create more room in the channel

Do nothing alternativeD

FLOOD RISK MAP DOWNSTREAM AREA

Do nothing alternativeD

Flood Risk Level(MNRF Flood Risk Criteria)Low Considered safe for both pedestrians

and emergency vehicles (flood depth less than 0.3 metres)

Moderate Considered safe for pedestrian access and egress but flooding too deep for emergency vehicle access

High* Not safe for pedestrians or emergency vehicles

* Exceedance of any one of the criteria results in high risk

ALTERNATIVE DESIGN CONCEPT

• Ken Whillans Drive1. Re-aligning Ken Whillans Drive and re-grading Church Street 2. Lowering of existing Ken Whillans Drive and re-grading Church Street

• Church Street Bridge – no alternatives• Scott Street Bridge – no alternatives• Queen Street Bridge – no alternatives• CN Rail Bridge

UPSTREAM AREA

Assumptions• All road bridges and Ken Whillans Drive will remain the same level of service• Pedestrian bridge in Centennial Park will be lengthened

ALTERNATIVE DESIGN CONCEPT – KEN WHILLANS DRIVE

Advantages Disadvantages• Flexibility to meet public realm

objectives• Pedestrian and vehicular traffic will

be out of the flood plain.• High level of resiliency against

larger future extreme flood events• Lower road maintenance cost

• Private property impacts on Ken Whillans Drive and Church Street.

• Limited ability to mitigate terrestrial impacts; compensation required

UPSTREAM AREA

1 Re-aligning Ken Whillans Drive and re-grading Church Street

This includes shifting Ken Whillans Drive to the west of the existing Ken Whillans Drive and re-grading Church Street to a higher elevation.

Re-graded valley

Re-aligned Ken Whillans Drive

Re-graded Church Street

Existing Ken Whillans Drive

ALTERNATIVE DESIGN CONCEPT – KEN WHILLANS DRIVE

Advantages Disadvantages• Greater ability to mitigate terrestrial

impacts; compensation required• Minimal private property impacts

• Little flexibility to meet public realm objectives

• Risk to life and property during more frequent flood events

• Higher road maintenance cost

UPSTREAM AREA

2 Lowering of existing Ken Whillans Drive and re-grading Church Street

This includes lowering the existing Ken Whillans Drive and re-grading Church Street to a higher elevation.

Re-aligned Ken Whillans Drive

Re-graded valley

Re-graded Church Street

Existing and lowering of Ken Whillans Drive

ALTERNATIVE DESIGN CONCEPT - BRIDGES

• Rebuilding and lengthening Church Street bridge (single span) to existing level of service (two lanes, one in each direction)

• Existing structure is already 70 years old (built in 1950) and is close to its 75-year design life

• Existing bridge is 22.9 m in length - proposed bridge will be 32 m in length

Construction• Church Street can remain open during removal and

reconstruction at a reduced capacity of one single traffic lane and signalized crossing (duration approx. 2 years) or closed for construction (duration approx. 8 months)

UPSTREAM AREA

Church Street Bridge

CONCEPTUAL – SUBJECT TO FURTHER REFINEMENTS

ALTERNATIVE DESIGN CONCEPT - BRIDGES UPSTREAM AREA

• Rebuilding and lengthening Scott Street bridge (single span) to existing level of service (two lanes, one in each direction)

• Existing structure is already 70 years old (built in 1950) and is close to its 75-year design life.

• Reached end of lifespan and will need to be replaced. Rebuilding Scott Street bridge coincides with City’s Capital Project

• Existing bridge is 21.9 m in length - proposed bridge is 35 m in length

Construction• Scott Street can remain open during removal and

reconstruction at a reduced capacity of one single traffic lane and signalized crossing (duration approx. 2 years) or closed for construction (duration approx. 8 months)

Scott Street Bridge

CONCEPTUAL – SUBJECT TO FURTHER REFINEMENTS

ALTERNATIVE DESIGN CONCEPT - BRIDGES UPSTREAM AREA

• Rebuilding and lengthening Queen Street bridge (single span) to existing level of service (four lanes, two in each direction)

• Existing structure is already 70 years old (built in 1950) and is close to its 75-year design life

• Existing bridge is 21.9 m in length - proposed bridge is 35 m in length

Construction• Queen Street can remain open during removal

and reconstruction at a reduced capacity of one single traffic lane (in each direction) and signalized crossing (duration approx. 2 years)

Queen Street Bridge

CONCEPTUAL – SUBJECT TO FURTHER REFINEMENTS

PREFERRED ALTERNATIVE – KEY FEATURES UPSTREAM DOWNSTREAM+

WIDENING: the base of the channel by 5 m and the top of the channel by 20 m, for a total corridor width of 50 m

DEEPENING: by a total of approximately 1.2 m

6 Combination of 2 and 3 = Create more room in the valley + Create more room in the channel

Do nothing alternativeD

NATURAL ENVIRONMENT – TERRESTRIAL AND AQUATIC

Terrestrial Effects• Removal of 1.0 ha of forest/woodland and 0.2 ha of grassed

area adjacent to Etobicoke Creek for the widening of the by-pass channel and 0.3 ha of forest for the realignment of Ken Whillans Drive and excavation of the new valley

Mitigation Measures• A tree compensation plan will be developed during detailed

design• Follow guidelines to reduce risk to migratory birds as per

the Migratory Bird Act• Conduct Species At Risk surveys during detailed design in

consultation with Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks

Net Effects• Removal of 1.5 ha of terrestrial habitat to be compensated

on and off-site• Re-established vegetation will be comprised of native

species and will contribute to a healthier ecosystem

Aquatic Effects• Potential negative impacts to fish habitat during in-water

construction• Potential positive impacts for fish habitat and passage e.g.

removal of drop structure, fish-friendly design features

Mitigation Measures• Evaluation of harmful effect to fish habitat to be determined in

Detail Design e.g. fish-friendly design features, adhere to fish timing windows, catch and release fish as required

• Develop planting plan to restore riparian vegetation and increase vegetation shading

Net Effects• Temporary alteration of fish habitat as a result of modification

to the By-pass and natural channel during construction activities

• Removal of fish barrier allows for fish passage• Opportunity to incorporate natural channel design features and

a more fish friendly design of low flow channel

SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT – PRIVATE PROPERTY AND HERITAGE

Private Property Effects• Require full property acquisitions of three (3) private

properties and partial property acquisitions of four (4) private properties

• Temporary and intermittent impacts to private properties and uses during construction, including noise, vibration, and dust

Mitigation Measures• Provide compensation to private properties at fair-market

value• Implementation of Best Management Practices for noise,

vibration, and dust control measures• Restriction of construction activity to day time hours and

adhere to local by-laws

Net Effects• Full and partial property acquisition of private properties• Temporary effects to private property and residents

during construction

Built and Cultural Heritage Effects• Disturbance of marked and unmarked grave sites

within St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery

Mitigation Measures• Continue working with Bereavement Authority of

Ontario and Ministry of Tourism, Culture and Sport to assess the area and develop a strategy plan to manage disturbance and potential relocation during Detailed Design

• Undertake Stage 2 Archaeological Assessment

Net Effects• Potential relocation of marked and unmarked grave

sites within St. Mary’s Roman Catholic Cemetery• Potential to uncover archaeological resources

mitigated by Stage 2 assessment

SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT – OPEN SPACE/PUBLIC REALM

Effects• Protects potential for improvements to public realm as envisioned by Brampton City Council• Temporary impacts to accessibility, trails and programming within all parks in Project Area during

construction• Impact to the park behind Central Public School Community Centre due to the realignment of Ken Whillans

Drive• Reduction in spaces in the Rosalea Park parking lot

Mitigation Measures• Appropriate public notification of potential temporary trail relocation or modifications to ensure public safety

during the construction period (e.g., signage, community newsletter etc.)• If possible, trail closures will be scheduled during periods of lower use and provide accessibility during

weeknights and weekends

Net Effect• Opportunity to improve public realm/open space in downtown Brampton (Riverwalk vision)• Temporary effects to access and enjoyment of recreational areas during construction

SOCIAL ENVIRONMENT – OTHER

Other Effects• Potential impacts to local traffic during construction of bridge replacements and alterations to Church Street

and Ken Whillans Drive• Potential noise, dust and vibration impacts to residents, park users and businesses during construction

Mitigation Measures• Construction timing of bridges will be coordinated to reduce traffic impacts. A traffic management plan and

communications strategy will be developed during detailed design• Construction best management practices will be used for noise, dust and vibration management• Geotechnical studies will be undertaken during detailed design to understand soil conditions and potential for

effects

Net Effects• Temporary bridge and road restrictions/closures will increase traffic in the local community and affect access• Nuisance effects from construction activities will be lessened to the extent possible but are not expected to

significantly impact local residents

TECHNICAL

Effects• Removal of approximately 19 ha from SPA 3 and removal of flood risk in area north of Wellington Street• Flood waters are anticipated to be slower and shallower during the Regulatory Flood south of Wellington Street• During a Regulatory Flood event, river water will spill from Centennial Park up the old creek valley to Wellington

Street. The spill would be relatively slow, which provides time for people to leave the area at risk of flooding.

Mitigation Measures• Communication of City of Brampton’s existing comprehensive Emergency Plan and educate residents and

business on flood preparedness and readiness

Net Effect• Removal of approximately 19 ha from SPA 3 and removal of flood risk north of Wellington Street• Slight improvement of flood risk south of Wellington Street

PUBLIC REVIEW PROCESS

• A draft Environmental Study Report (ESR) will be available for 30-day public review in January 2020. Comments received will be considered and the ESR will be finalized. The draft ESR will be available electronically on the project website and in hard copy at the City of Brampton and TRCA.

• The final ESR will be available for public review for a 30-day period following the Notice of Completion tentatively in March 2020.

• Part II Order request process for the final ESR:• Members of public who feel that significant outstanding issues have not been addressed and could be better

addressed through an individual environmental assessment process.• You must focus on potential environmental effects of the project or the class environmental assessment

process.• You must not focus on decisions outside the class environmental assessment process.• You must not raise issues unrelated to the project.

• A Part II Order request can only be submitted after the Notice of Completion is issued and within the 30-day period.

• For more information on the process, please refer to the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks’ website: https://www.ontario.ca/page/class-environmental-assessments-part-ii-order

THANK YOU

We appreciate the time you have taken to learn more about the Downtown Brampton Flood Protection EA.

HOW TO STAY CONNECTED:

• Join our mailing list – leave us an email or mailing address so we can keep you up-to date as the study progresses.

Contact the Project Team: DBFP EA Project CoordinatorEMAIL: dbfpea@trca.caToronto and Region Conservation Authority101 Exchange Avenue, Vaughan ON