Construction starts on the first phase of the Riverside Flats flood mitigation berm today, January 15, 2025. The project protects the river trail system and nearby properties along the Tamsin River.
You will notice new earthworks and drainage channels going up along the east bank of the Tamsin River, near Riverside Flats Park and the Corvid Creek Ravine. The berm is the first step in a larger flood-mitigation program the City launched after the 2005 flood. The project includes reinforced drainage channels, upgraded trail sections that will stay dry during heavy rain, and new retaining walls to guide water away from the Centennial Bridge approach.
"This berm is the first step in making sure our neighbours can live and work along the river without worrying about the water rising again," says GM Infrastructure and Planning Samuel Adeyemi. "We have been learning from the 2005 flood for years, and today we turn those plans into real ground under our feet."
The project required site plan approvals and floodplain permits from the Tamsin Valley Conservation Authority. You can track the planning applications for this project on the Planning application search page. The berm route was reviewed under the City's flood development guidelines and matches the goals in the Official Plan.
Some temporary lane closures and trail detours will be in place near Riverside Flats Park while crews work. The City will post daily service alerts on the Service Alerts page. Workers will operate Monday to Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 5:30 p.m.
"Flooding has always been part of life along the Tamsin River, but we can build smarter," says Mayor Danielle Okafor-Price. "This berm protects homes, businesses, and the beautiful trails we all love. We are committed to getting this done safely and on time."
For more information on how the City manages flood risk and plans for climate adaptation, visit the About Wrenford page. The next phase of the berm, extending toward Benchlands Lookout Park, will begin in the spring.