Please click the link below to access the PowerPoint presentation that was presented at my recent Community Meeting on Flooding in Ward 3 which took place on Thursday, October 17th, 2024.
Q/A from the Flooding Meeting:
Resident Question:
- Has the city considered Sandbagging?
Staff Response:
This matter has been raised with our partners at Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and is something that will require further discussion with them.
Resident Question:
- Is the city planning to fully fund the program in regard to the upstream?
Staff Response:
The Riverine Flooding Review is fully funded, yes. Recommendations that follow will then be subject to Council review and approval.
Resident Question:
- Why not put dry valves before it fills the system?
Staff Response:
The creek spills over the valley, so valves to prevent water backing up into the storm sewer system would have less practical value.
Resident Question:
- Can the city make a chart/all the things the city provides and all the things the region offers? Its quite confusing for us residents.
Staff Response:
The Region provides a backwater valve rebate (up to $1,500, https://peelregion.ca/water/pipes-downspouts/backwater-valve-rebate).
The City is currently developing 3 new financial relief programs: Residential Compassionate Flood Relief grant (up to $1,000), Basement Flooding Prevention Rebate (up to $6,800) and Flood Resilience Rebate (up to $3,000). More details will be shared once available.
Resident Question:
- The application for the grant process won’t allow you to apply if it’s over 11 years, it should be 10 years.
Staff Response:
Peel responded to this in regard to the backwater valve rebate program to encourage residents to submit and contact staff afterward to explain.
Resident Question:
- Insurance companies aren’t insuring our homes anymore as they have been flooded multiple times. Can the City work with insurance companies?
Staff Response:
IBC will be present at Nov.13th public session.
Resident Question:
- What are we are homeowners allowed to do/build if the city is not helping?
Staff Response:
Residents can review the following resource: A Residential Guide to Flood Prevention and Recovery: https://www.mississauga.ca/wp-content/uploads/2022/08/29105956/2A_Residential_Guide_to_Flood_Prevention_and_Recovery.pdf
Resident Question:
- What integrated flood management strategies is the city currently implementing to address both short-term and long-term flooding risks, and how do these strategies incorporate input from community stakeholders?
Staff Response:
Dixie-Dundas Flood Mitigation is underway that took in comments through the Environmental Assessment process. Similarly, Little Etobicoke Creek Flood Evaluation recommendations considered feedback through public consultation during the Environmental Assessment process.
Resident Question:
- Can you provide details on the city’s assessment of existing drainage infrastructure in flood-prone areas? What plans are in place to upgrade or replace inadequate systems, and how will these changes be prioritized?
Staff Response:
The 10-year Stormwater Capital Plan prioritizes the City’s stormwater infrastructure needs and is reviewed and adjusted annually based on changing conditions. As an example, the City will be further accelerating the recommendations of the Little Etobicoke Creek Flood Evaluation Study, implementing upgrades in several areas over the next 2 years.
Resident Question:
- What initiatives are in place to educate residents about flood risks and preparedness measures? How does the city plan to engage communities in flood risk management, especially in vulnerable neighborhoods?
Staff Response:
Public Information Centre is being held on Nov.13th.
Resident Question:
- How does the city’s zoning and land use policy address flood risk? Are there specific measures in place to restrict development in high-risk flood zones, and how are these policies enforced?
Staff Response:
Chapter 6 of Mississauga’s Official Plan (Value the Environment) includes land use policies to identify and manage natural hazards. In addition, Special Policy Areas like at Dixie-Dundas restrict upzoning due to the need for flood mitigation works.
Resident Question:
- In the event of a flooding emergency, what are the city’s protocols for emergency response and evacuation? How often are these plans updated, and what measures are taken to ensure residents are aware of them?
Staff Response:
The City works closely with its partners to prepare for, mitigate, respond to, and recover from various types of emergencies, including floods. This includes the development of various internal emergency plans such as the City’s Emergency Plan, and Severe Weather Plan. as well as working with partners on joint plans and procedures such as Toronto & Region Conservation Authorities’ Dixie-Dundas Site Specific Flood Risk Package.
Resident Question:
- What funding sources are available for flood prevention and mitigation projects, and how does the city prioritize allocation of these resources? Are there plans to seek additional federal or state funding for these initiatives?
Staff Response:
The City has recently submitted to the Province for funding to support key infrastructure works, including the Dixie-Dundas Flood Mitigation project.
Resident Question:
- How does the city utilize data and technology (e.g., GIS mapping, predictive modeling) to assess flood risk and inform mitigation efforts? Is there a plan to enhance data collection in the future?
Staff Response:
Partnering with our local Conservation Authorities, land use mapping is taken into account during flood plain mapping exercises.
Resident Question:
- What collaboration exists between the city and regional agencies (e.g., water management authorities) to develop a cohesive flood mitigation strategy? How are responsibilities shared among different entities?
Staff Response:
Peel and Mississauga work closely in various ways. For example, on the Dixie-Dundas project, our organizations have partnered to manage this critical and time-sensitive undertaking by having one lead with key staff assigned to their respective project elements. In this manner, we avoid duplication and efficiently use resources.
Resident Question:
- What mechanisms are in place for the long-term monitoring and evaluation of flood mitigation measures? How does the city plan to adjust its strategies based on the effectiveness of implemented projects?
Staff Response:
This is a matter under review with our partner Conservation Authorities that we’ve seen positive results on at, for example, the multi-year implementation of the Cooksville Creek Flood Evaluation recommendations.
Resident Question:
17. Can the city make a chart/all the things the city provides and all the things the region offers? Its quite confusing for us residents.
Staff Response:
Yes, the City will make a graph to differentiate between the different things the City of Mississauga and the Region of Peel offer for flooding to residents and homeowners.
Resident Question:
18. The application for the grant process won’t allow you to apply if it’s over 11 years, it should be 10 years.
Staff Response:
Residents are encouraged to continue with the application process, the City of Mississauga will make this exception for 1 year and will look into changing this.
