Flooding events ‘tested our systems’: Mississauga mayor

The heavy rainfalls in Mississauga this summer have tested the city’s infrastructure.

Rain pounded the city on the weekend with as much as 170 mm of rain in some areas of Mississauga. The deluge flooded roads and damaged properties. Mississauga Fire and Emergency Services conducted 27 water rescues.

“This past weekend, Mississauga faced an unprecedented rainstorm, with the city receiving more rainfall in a short period than ever before,” Mississauga Mayor Carolyn Parrish said in a statement. “I know such storms can bring significant stress and inconvenience, affecting our homes, properties, and people’s lives. I empathize with all those in our community who are dealing with the effects of this storm.”

This is the second “100-year-storm” to hit the city this summer. On July 16, 106 mm of rain fell in the span of a few hours, also leading to rescues, and flooded roads and homes.

Parrish said Mississauga has made significant investments in stormwater infrastructure to better protect against these rainfall events.

But the “scale of this flooding event, and the one on July 16^th, has tested our systems, and we are actively assessing how we can further improve and adapt our infrastructure to meet these ever-changing demands,” Parrish said.

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In 2024, the city allocated $33.7 million to stormwater improvements, focusing on projects along Cooksville Creek, Etobicoke Creek and erosion control initiatives.

Since 2016, more than $231.5 million has been spent on stormwater infrastructure. The 10-year plan includes an additional $340 million.

“We are investing to make our system stronger,” Parrish said.

As an example, Lake Saigon – a new, stormwater management pond off Matheson Boulevard just west of Hurontario Street, held back 250,000 cubic meters of stormwater.

“This one pond held back the equivalent of 100 Olympic-sized swimming pools of water from flowing downstream to homes and businesses,” Parrish said.

Parrish said the city is working with other levels of government to secure additional support and resources.

“All levels of government must work together to build our infrastructure,” Parrish said.

The city asks residents and businesses impacted by recent rain events, to contact 311 and provide their name and address. This information will be shared with the provincial government to support the disaster recovery assistance program for Mississauga.

In addition, the city suggests affected resident document damage with photos or videos and contact their insurance provider as soon as possible.

“I understand how challenging this situation is and appreciate the patience of our residents and businesses, as we work with local and regional partners to assess the damage and repair what was damaged,” Parrish said.

“I also want to take a moment to express my thanks to our first responders and city staff. They worked tirelessly throughout the storm and continue to do so, to keep residents safe and informed.”

Clean-up efforts continue in the city, including the removal of debris from sidewalks, roads and trails.

The City of Mississauga is assessing the financial impacts.

For more information, see the City of Mississauga website here.