​A major milestone toward unlocking downtown Brampton’s full potential and protecting the city’s core

​​​​BRAMPTON, ON (November 21, 2025) – The City of Brampton officially kicked off construction on the Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project, the first phase of the Riverwalk project. This marks a significant milestone toward transforming the City’s downtown core and protecting it from future flooding events. The flood protection project is a foundational catalyst for growth and revitalization and is one of Brampton’s most transformative infrastructure projects, setting the stage for vibrant revitalization, environmental resilience and economic development.

​Dignitaries come together to celebrate the kick-off of construction on Riverwalk’s Downtown Brampton Flood Projection Project. Credit: City of Brampton

Once complete, Riverwalk’s Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project will protect downtown from future flood risks while unlocking new opportunities for housing, business and development.

 Conceptual rendering of Riverwalk’s Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project (subject to refinement). Credit: City of Brampton

​About Riverwalk Phase One: Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project 

Downtown Brampton lies within the Etobicoke Creek floodplain, an area historically prone to severe flooding that has limited redevelopment in the city’s core. The worst flood on record occurred in March 1948, when approximately six feet (1.8 metres) of water inundated Main and Queen Streets, causing nearly half a million dollars in damage. This event led to the construction of the Etobicoke Creek diversion and channel, completed in 1952, which has protected the community for more than 70 years.

​​​Photo of severe flooding in downtown Brampton in March 1948. Credit: Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives

Building on that legacy, Riverwalk’s Flood Protection Project will modernize and expand Brampton’s flood protection system. Once complete, the system will exceed Ontario’s Regulatory Flood Standards and be capable of withstanding storm events equivalent to or greater than Hurricane Hazel (i.e., rainfall amounts of up to approximately 285 millimetres over 48 hours). 

Beyond flood protection, Riverwalk will deliver substantial social and economic benefits for Brampton and Canada as a whole. The project is expected to:

• Enable new development to accommodate approximately 17,700 new residents in downtown Brampton.
• Enable the creation of 23,800 jobs, including 2,200 construction-related positions during the building phase.
• Unlock 3.6 million square feet of new residential, retail and commercial space for development.

Phase One of the project focuses on flood protection infrastructure by deepening and widening the Etobicoke Creek Channel. Phase Two will implement the Urban Design Master Plan​, introducing new parks, open spaces, trails, homes and business areas along the Etobicoke Creek.

Map of the Riverwalk’s Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project (subject to refinement). Credit: City of Brampton

The Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project represents a collaborative investment between all three orders of government. Partnerships with the Governments of Canada, the Government of Ontario, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the City of Brampton have made it possible to deliver this generational infrastructure project. This includes a contribution of over $38.8 million from the Government of Canada through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and a nearly $50 million investment from the Government of Ontario’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program. Together, these partners are advancing Brampton’s leadership in sustainable city-building and climate resilience.

Early construction for Riverwalk’s Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project will begin in the coming weeks with site preparation. Full construction of the flood protection project is expected to begin in early 2026 and continue through spring 2028, marking completion of Phase One and beginning of Phase Two, which will continue beyond 2030. 

Stay Connected

To learn more about the project, review regular updates, construction notices and project milestones, visit brampton.ca/riverwalk. Ask questions and share your thoughts as the project moves forward by emailing riverwalk@brampton.ca. 

​Downtown Brampton Revitalization

Downtown Brampton is undergoing a major transformation with several bold projects underway. Riverwalk is a central pillar in Brampton’s long-term downtown revitalization strategy. As this work progresses, several complementary projects are also underway to create a safer, more connected and vibrant downtown. They include the redevelopment of Ken Whillans and Garden Squares, Main and Queen Streets Streetscaping and the demolition of City-Owned properties 30-60 Main Street North and Interim Strategy for Expansion of Garden Square. The City is investing in vibrant, inclusive public spaces that reflect its identity and meet the needs of a growing, diverse community. As downtown Brampton evolves, it is rapidly becoming a thriving ecosystem for innovation and technology, positioning the city to compete on a global stage and helping to drive economic growth locally, provincially and nationally. For more information, visit brampton.ca/downtown. 

​Open during construction: Support local downtown businesses

The City is working closely with the Downtown Brampton Business Improvement Area (BIA) and local businesses to minimize disruption and maintain access throughout construction. Downtown businesses remain open throughout construction, and residents and visitors are encouraged to continue shopping, dining and attending events in the area. Supporting local businesses helps sustain jobs, strengthens the local economy and keeps Brampton’s downtown vibrant and resilient through this period of transformation. To discover upcoming events and explore the unique shopping and dining experiences in downtown Brampton, visit the Downtown Brampton BIA website.

​Quotes

 ​​“The Riverwalk Flood Protection Project is a once-in-a-generation investment that will protect our community, unlock our downtown’s full potential and help drive new housing, jobs and economic growth. This project will safeguard Brampton from flooding and will welcome thousands of new residents and businesses into a vibrant reimagined downtown. We are grateful to our partners in the Governments of Canada and Ontario and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority for their collaboration and investment in Brampton’s future." - Patrick Brown, Mayor, City of Brampton

“Riverwalk shows what’s possible when long-term vision meets collaboration. This project will remove floodplain constraints, unlock economic growth and support thousands of new jobs while transforming our downtown into a place where people want to live, work, invest and play. Today’s announcement is a defining moment for Brampton’s future.” - Michael Palleschi, Regional Councillor, Wards 2 and 6; Chair, Planning and Development Committee, City of Brampton

“Today marks a significant day for the Riverwalk project and a major step forward in the history of our community. The Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project will protect Downtown from flooding risks and ensures climate resilience and long-term sustainability. By strengthening our flood protection system, we are safeguarding homes, businesses and public spaces for generations to come.” - Paul Vicente, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 and 5; Chair, Public Works Section, City of Brampton 

“Riverwalk is a model of climate-resilient, collaborative city building. As both a member of TRCA’s Board and local councillor in this community, I am proud to see and be a part of the strong partnerships driving this project’s progress. Through Riverwalk, we are reducing flooding risks while enhancing the natural environment, unlocking new opportunities for housing and business, and building a more vibrant downtown for the people who live and work here. Today is an exciting milestone and I am thankful to all the team members involved in making it happen!” - Rowena Santos, Regional Councillor, Wards 1 and 5, City of Brampton; Board Member, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

“Through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund, the federal government is proud to support structural and natural infrastructure projects that increase the resilience of communities impacted by natural disasters. The Riverwalk Flood Protection Project will ensure Brampton remains protected from much of the damage caused by severe flooding, while providing employment opportunities and a boost to the local economy.”- Sonia Sidhu, Member of Parliament for Brampton South

“Investing in local infrastructure is part of our government’s plan to protect Ontario, strengthen the economy and create more jobs. The Riverwalk project is part of our government’s nearly $4 billion investment in critical infrastructure that will make new housing possible. For the City of Brampton, this project will help enable approximately 13,000 new homes.”- Todd McCarthy, Ontario’s Acting Minister of Infrastructure

​“Flood protection is at the heart of Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s mission. Riverwalk will help prepare Brampton for the future by enhancing flood resilience and supporting new housing and economic opportunities. We are proud to work with the City of Brampton, the Government of Ontario, and the Government of Canada to build safer, more sustainable communities for generations to come.”​- John MacKenzie, Chief Executive Officer, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority ​​​​