FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
August 8, 2008

STORM EVENTS OF JUNE 22 AND JULY 22 - CITY ACTION PLAN

The City's storm drainage system in urban areas is designed to safely convey the storm water runoff from the streets and lots under both minor and major storm events. This is accomplished through a system of catch basins, storm sewers, local streets, channels and storm water management ponds which are used to capture and direct storm water to a safe outlet such as our local streams and rivers.

In particular, the run-off from frequent storm events is captured by the series of catch basins and storm sewers within the local streets and piped to a storm water management facility in your neighbourhood. Under more intense storm events, like the ones we experienced on June 22 and July 22 this year, the excess water that isn't captured by the catch basins is conveyed overland along the network of local streets directly to the storm water management pond or watercourse. Accordingly, it is normal for the streets in your neighbourhood to experience a certain amount of flooding during a significant storm event, especially at road intersections. This is the common method of conveying storm drainage in Vaughan and most other municipalities in the Greater Toronto Area.

Unfortunately, there was some reported property damage as a result of these last two major storm events which were centered over Thornhill. The City is currently testing and inspecting the municipal storm drainage system to confirm that it is functioning properly. Over the next few weeks, City Public Works crews will be busy inspecting the storm and sanitary sewer system in your neighbourhood.

In Ward 5, the Public Works Department will be undertaking a detailed camera inspection of the storm sewer system to determine if there are any deficiencies in the system that may be impacting drainage during heavy rainfalls. Prior to this camera inspection taking place, the sewers will be flushed to allow for more detailed inspection of the pipe's condition.

The areas to be flushed and inspected include the storm sewers on: Clark Avenue from York Hill Blvd. to Hilda Avenue, as well as the connecting sewers from Thornbury Circle, Bevshire Circle, and Tangreen Circle to the Clark Avenue storm sewer.

This field work, combined with the audit review being performed by Engineering staff, will help in determining what actions can be taken to alleviate future flooding in the area.

In Ward 4, the Public Works Department will be undertaking a detailed camera inspection of the storm sewer system to determine if there are any deficiencies in the system that may be impacting drainage during heavy rainfalls. For areas where back-ups into the basement occurred, the sanitary sewer system will also be inspected. Prior to this camera inspection taking place, the sewers will be flushed to allow for more detailed inspection of the pipe's condition.

The areas to be flushed and inspected include the storm and sanitary sewers on:
Carl Tennen Street (entire street)
Samuel Oster Avenue, from Chelwood Drive to Judith Avenue
Chelwood Drive, from Judith Avenue to Zahavy Drive

This field work, combined with the audit review being performed by Engineering staff, will help in determining what actions can be taken to alleviate future flooding and sewer back-ups in the area.

About Vaughan

The City of Vaughan is one of Canada's fastest growing cities with a population of 250,000. Members of Council for the 2006-2010 term of office include: Mayor Linda D. Jackson, Regional Councillor Joyce Frustaglio, Regional Councillor Mario Ferri, Regional Councillor Gino Rosati, Ward 1 Councillor Peter Meffe, Ward 2 Councillor Tony Carella, Ward 3 Councillor Bernie DiVona, Ward 4 Councillor Sandra Yeung Racco and Ward 5 Councillor Alan Shefman.

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