Protecting Hamilton's shoreline and sewer systems from extreme storms
Posted in: News Item
Date Posted: 2019-04-04
Organization Name: Infrastructure Canada
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, announced funding for shoreline protection and landscape resilience projects to defend against extreme storm events in Hamilton.
“Taking initiative to adapt to the impacts of climate change is essential to ensuring safe and prosperous communities,” said Champagne. “This project will protect the City of Hamilton from severe storms and the damages they cause. By investing in infrastructure that protects communities now, we are helping build for the future.”
“Extreme weather is becoming more severe, more frequent, more damaging, and more expensive because of climate change,” added the Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety. “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 project will see rehabilitation to shorelines damaged by storms in 2017 and 2018. The shoreline will also be reinforced by raising it above the current water level and adding stones along the foundation. This reinforced barrier will keep water from Hamilton Harbour and along Lake Ontario from flooding into the city and will improve resilience for future extreme storm events.
“The City of Hamilton is committed to taking action on climate change, which includes protecting our shorelines and municipal water supply,” said His Worship Fred Eisenberger, Mayor of Hamilton. “This investment will help build the infrastructure needed to withstand the effects of extreme weather and demonstrates our strong partnership with the federal government and our joint commitment to taking climate action.”
The project also includes the installation of new backflow devices along the Hamilton sewer system. These devices will prevent lake and harbour water from entering the city’s sewer system during severe storms. By protecting the sewer system from overflows, the project will improve resilience, minimize risk of flood, and reduce basement flooding for residents.
“In the past few years, too many of us have been impacted by damage caused by climate change and extreme weather,” said the Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors. “Those situations are dangerous in the moment, and the recovery is stressful and costly. Building infrastructure like this is a reassuring step for Hamiltonians who have seen the damages up close.”
“Now more than ever, Canadian communities need to take action and adapt to climate change,” added Bob Bratina, Member of Parliament for Hamilton East – Stoney Creek. “I am proud to say that this important work will help safeguard the City of Hamilton’s water supply and protect the community and residents from flooding for decades to come.”
The Government of Canada is contributing over $12.7 million to this project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF). The 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. This fund 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.
The City of Hamilton will provide the remainder of the project funding.