Tuesday, November 25, 2025
The City of Brampton officially kicked off construction on the Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project, the first phase of the Riverwalk project.
This marks a significant milestone toward transforming the City’s downtown core and protecting it from future flooding events.
“The Riverwalk Flood Protection Project is a once-in-a-generation investment that will protect our community, unlock our downtown’s full potential and help drive new housing, jobs and economic growth. This project will safeguard Brampton from flooding and will welcome thousands of new residents and businesses into a vibrant reimagined downtown. We are grateful to our partners in the Governments of Canada and Ontario and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority for their collaboration and investment in Brampton’s future,” said Brampton Mayor Patrick Brown.
Downtown Brampton lies within the Etobicoke Creek floodplain, an area historically prone to severe flooding that has limited redevelopment in the city’s core. The worst flood on record occurred in March 1948, when approximately six feet (1.8 metres) of water inundated Main and Queen Streets, causing nearly half a million dollars in damage. This event led to the construction of the Etobicoke Creek diversion and channel, completed in 1952, which has protected the community for more than 70 years. Building on that legacy, Riverwalk’s Flood Protection Project will modernize and expand Brampton’s flood protection system. Once complete, the system will exceed Ontario’s Regulatory Flood Standards and be capable of withstanding storm events equivalent to or greater than Hurricane Hazel (i.e., rainfall amounts of up to approximately 285 millimetres over 48 hours).
Conceptual rendering of Riverwalk’s Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project. (City of Brampton)
“Riverwalk shows what’s possible when long-term vision meets collaboration. This project will remove floodplain constraints, unlock economic growth and support thousands of new jobs while transforming our downtown into a place where people want to live, work, invest and play. Today’s announcement is a defining moment for Brampton’s future,” said Michael Palleschi, Regional Councillor, Wards 2 and 6 and chair, Planning and Development Committee.
Beyond flood protection, Riverwalk will deliver substantial social and economic benefits for Brampton and Canada as a whole. The project is expected to:
- Enable new development to accommodate approximately 17,700 new residents in downtown Brampton.
- Enable the creation of 23,800 jobs, including 2,200 construction-related positions during the building phase.
- Unlock 3.6 million square feet of new residential, retail and commercial space for development.
Phase One of the project focuses on flood protection infrastructure by deepening and widening the Etobicoke Creek Channel. Phase Two will implement the Urban Design Master Plan, introducing new parks, open spaces, trails, homes and business areas along the Etobicoke Creek.
The Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project represents a collaborative investment between all three orders of government. Partnerships with the Governments of Canada, the Government of Ontario, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the City of Brampton have made it possible to deliver this generational infrastructure project. This includes a contribution of over $38.8 million from the Government of Canada through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and a nearly $50 million investment from the Government of Ontario’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program. Together, these partners are advancing Brampton’s leadership in sustainable city-building and climate resilience.
“Flood protection is at the heart of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s mission. Riverwalk will help prepare Brampton for the future by enhancing flood resilience and supporting new housing and economic opportunities. We are proud to work with the City of Brampton, the Government of Ontario, and the Government of Canada to build safer, more sustainable communities for generations to come,” said John MacKenzie, CEO, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority.
Early construction for Riverwalk’s Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project will begin in the coming weeks with site preparation. Full construction of the flood protection project is expected to begin in early 2026 and continue through spring 2028, marking completion of Phase One and beginning of Phase Two, which will continue beyond 2030.
“Through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, the federal government is proud to support structural and natural infrastructure projects that increase the resilience of communities impacted by natural disasters. The Riverwalk Flood Protection Project will ensure Brampton remains protected from much of the damage caused by severe flooding, while providing employment opportunities and a boost to the local economy,” said Sonia Sidhu, MP for Brampton South.
Featured image: Dignitaries come together to celebrate the kick-off of construction on Riverwalk’s Downtown Brampton Flood Projection Project. (City of Brampton)
