MISSISSAUGA, ONT. — The City of Mississauga’s stormwater infrastructure helped mitigate the impact during the recent near-record rainfall.
On July 16, Mississauga experienced a 100-year storm with about 106 millimetres of rainfall in only a few hours, much more than the average 75 millimetres Mississauga typically receives for the entire month of July. So much heavy rain falling in a short period of time caused high water levels and localized flooding on roads and along creeks, rivers and streams.
While some parks flooded, trails washed out, embankments eroded, debris flowed into neighbourhoods, and some residents experienced property damage like basement flooding or water pooling in their backyards, it would have been worse without the city’s stormwater infrastructure actively managing the situation, indicates the city’s website.
It handled the majority of the unusual quantity of rain as a result of its network of underground pipes, designated stormwater ponds, culverts and overland flow routes along roadways.
The city’s stormwater system collects stormwater from properties and carries it to a receiving waterbody. Maintaining the system lessens the risk of flooding, reduces creek erosion and protects water quality.
Last June, the city approved its first Stormwater Master Plan, Build Beautiful, a long-term plan which will refine the city’s stormwater program, management systems and infrastructure.
The city will continue with clean up efforts including the removal of debris from sidewalks, roads and trails and several of the city’s parks and sports fields remained closed as repair work was completed.