The Riverwalk Project

Downtown Brampton lies within the regulatory floodplain of Etobicoke Creek. In response to frequent flooding, the creek was diverted around the town through a concrete-lined bypass channel, built in 1952. While this channel has protected the area from flooding, it does not exempt the downtown from strict provincial regulations that limit development.

The provincial government has designated downtown Brampton as a Special Policy Area (SPA). This designation recognizes that the area lies within the regulatory floodplain, but also that it represents the heart of Brampton and should be maintained as a place to invest and do business.

Feasibility studies have shown that it is possible to eliminate the flood hazard, which would, in turn, allow for the removal of the SPA designation. This can be achieved by reconfiguring the channel to provide more room for flood waters (e.g., lowering, widening) and potentially constructing a structure that will cut off flows to the downtown core.

Eliminating the flood risk would address climate change and allow for the removal of the SPA designation. It would also eliminate and reduce flooding from Etobicoke Creek during extreme storms and provide flood-related protection for the community. In turn, it would unlock the potential for urban growth and development, while creating places for residents to access nature and enjoy public spaces.

Riverwalk Timeline infographic, text below

Etobicoke Creek Riverwalk Timeline

2011: Project initiation
Ontario prevents new development within a floodplain unless it is within a Special Policy Area (SPA) approved by the province. In January 2011, Council directed staff to submit an amendment to the 1986 Downton Brampton SPA in accordance with the provincial requirements. A joint team with the City of Brampton and The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority was established and intense work was initiated.
2013 – 2018: Feasibility Studies Phase 1 and 2
Between 2013 and 2018, The City of Brampton and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) conducted feasibility studies that identified possibilities for eliminating flood hazards and, ultimately, removing the SPA designation. For more details, see Documents and Reports.
- Phase 1 Feasibility Studies (2013 – 2014)
- Phase 2 Feasibility Study (2016 – 2018)
2014: Special Policy Area (SPA) Amendment
The Ontario SPA covering 30 hectares of Downtown Brampton was updated to allow revitalization and redevelopment in the area, while appropriately mitigating the flood risks. Following comprehensive studies and public consultation, the Downtown Brampton Special Policy Area update was approved by the province in 2014.
2018 – 2020: Flood Protection Environmental Assessment
The Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Environmental Assessment (DBFP EA) was led by the TRCA in partnership with the City of Brampton. The Environmental Study Report (ESR) was completed, reviewed, and approved in 2020, which has allowed for the detailed design of the project to commence. For more information on the DBFP EA, see the TRCA Project Website.
2019: Economic Impact Study
An Economic Impact Study was performed in 2019 to indicate the benefits of the project.
2020: Federal funding announcement
In late 2020, the Government of Canada announced that the City of Brampton will receive more than $38 million towards flood mitigation in Downtown Brampton.
2019 – 2021: Urban Design Master Plan
The Riverwalk Urban Design Master Plan (UDMP) was initiated by the City of Brampton in 2019 to complement the Flood Protection Environmental Assessment. The Urban Design Master Plan was completed and approved by Council in 2022.
2023 – 2024: Detailed design for Flood Protection
This stage of the project involves the preparation of detailed, technical, and construction drawings, with input from local municipalities, government agencies, conservation authorities, and utility companies.

The City has retained AECOM to work on a detailed design for the Downtown Brampton Flood Protection. This design will be informed by the work completed for the Environmental Assessment, which includes flood protection for the community and looking at how the proposed flood mitigation solutions impact the natural environment and ecology.
2025: Potential start of Construction
Residents and businesses impacted by construction activities will receive a Notice of Construction letter before the work begins.