Skip to main content

Projects & Programs

water pipes

 

Heavy rainfall and melting snow can overwhelm our sewer systems causing flooding in our community. To protect your property from damage, Markham's Private Plumbing Protection Rebate Program can offer you financial support for installing a flood protection device in your home, such as a backwater valve.

Learn more about the Private Plumbing Protection Rebate Program

Water and Sanitary Sewer System

Learn more about Markham's Water & Sanitary Sewer System Projects.

 

Capital Projects Updates
  • 015-T-23 – Storm Culverts (SC04 & SC05 – Henderson Ave to Clark Ave (through Easement)
    • Initial pit completed off of Henderson Ave in Fall 2023
    • Relining of culvert occurring from June to Sept 2024
    • Excavation on Clark Ave has been avoided with changes to construction methodology
  • 289-T-23 – Markham Village Phase 1A – Storm Sewers and Watermain Upgrades
    • Storm sewer upgrades to be done
      • Church St (Maple St to Wootten Way N) – May to November 2024
      • Church St (Wooten Way N to 200m East of Rose Way) – May to October 2025
      • Jack Crt
      • Jill Crt
      • Judy Crt
      • Rose Way (Church St to Linden Lea St)
    • Watermain looping to be done
      • Jack Crt
      • Jill Crt
      • Judy Crt
    • Temporary asphalt restoration to occur in stages with road reconstruction works to occur in 2025
    • Construction is ongoing with anticipated completion in Fall 2025
  • Project # Pending – Markham Village Phase 1B – Storm Sewers and Watermain Upgrades
    • Storm sewer upgrades to be done
      • Wootten Way N (Church St to Sir Tristram Pl)
      • Sir Lancelot Dr (Wootten Way N to Sir Gawain Pl)
      • Sir Gareth Crt
      • Sir Kay Dr (Sir Lancelot Dr to Sir Gareth Crt)
    • Watermain replacement to be done
      • Wootten Way N (Church St to Ramona Blvd)
      • Sir Tristram Pl
      • Sir Gareth Crt (Watermain Looping at end of Court)
    • Construction is scheduled to start Spring 2025 with anticipated completion in Fall 2026
  • 009-R-24  – CIPP Watermain Lining Rehabilitation
    • Design work currently occurring for watermain structural lining on the following streets
      • Highway 7 (Cosburn Rd to Wootten Way)
      • Princess St (Rouge River crossing)
      • Tuclor Lane
      • Christman Crt
      • Green Lane (Guardsman Rd to Hunting Park Dr)
      • Guardsman Rd
      • Aileen Rd
      • Harlech Crt
  • 229-T-22 – West Thornhill Storm Upgrades – Phase 4B – Romfield Circuit and area
    • All storm sewer upgrades and road reconstruction completed by June 2024
  • 300-T-22 – Cast Iron Watermain Replacement – Drakefield Area
    • Watermain, services and restoration completed Fall 2023
  • 004-T-21 – West Thornhill Storm Upgrades – Phase 4A – Royal Orchard and area
    • All works completed for Storm and Sanitary Sewer upgrades
    • Top coat of asphalt installed in July 2023
  • 242-T-21 – West Thornhill Storm Upgrades – Phase 3C – Glen Cameron/Clark/Mira/Lilian/Pheasant Valley
    • All Storm Sewer, watermain and road reconstruction work completed by September 2023
Backflow Prevention Program

The City’s backflow prevention bylaw reduces the chance of water contamination through backflow incidents at cross connections.  Please see Markham's Backflow Prevention By-law 2012-29 (PDF).

Learn more about Markham's Flood Control & Stormwater

To learn more about Markham's ongoing Flood Control and Stormwater Programs, please see below.

For current projects, visit the Current Projects page.

Markham Flood Control Program
flood

What is Markham’s Flood Control Program?

In February 2013, Council approved a long-term 30-year Flood Control Program which sets funding requirements to achieve level of service improvements for drainage systems in the City of Markham.    

The Flood Control Program is a long term, City-wide initiative to improve storm drainage capacity and limit surface and basement flooding risks in urban areas. Improvements will provide a more consistent level of service across Markham and help protect both public and private property. The program will also make critical infrastructure more resilient to climate change and extreme weather.

The City has prioritized the assessment and upgrade of older drainage systems, constructed prior to 1978, when modern day standards for stormwater drainage were implemented.  Areas constructed prior to 1978 are more susceptible to flooding as they were not designed to convey the amount of water expected during infrequent, very large storm events.   

The Citywide Flood Control Program includes projects that range from major capital improvements to the storm system, to education programs and subsidies for residents to improve their private plumbing systems. 

Staff updated the cost estimates in 2018 for all phases of the Flood Control Program, with an estimated cost of $367-$382M.  To date, the City has received two funding grants for the program: 

  • $6.5M from the Clean Water and Wastewater Fund (CWWF) – Ministry of Infrastructure of Ontario
  • $48.6M from the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) – Infrastructure Canada

In 2013, Council approved the allocation of $2M per year from the Federal Gas Tax Grant.  The costs of the program are otherwise funded by the City’s stormwater fee, charged to all property owners; residential and non-residential. This fee is applied to the Final Tax bill for each property owner in Markham. For more information, visit Stormwater Fee

flood
flood

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Flood Control Program Projects

The City has prioritized the upgrades within West Thornhill, the Don Mills Channel (Woodbine/Denison Area) and Markham Village and Unionville, based on the known locations of basement flooding clusters.  Other areas within the City will be assessed at a later date.  The current status and location of all areas to be assessed through the program are shown in the maps below.

For more information on our flood control projects, please see the following links below:

  • Don Mills Channel
  • West Thornhill
  • Markham Village & Unionville
  • Private Plumbing Protection Program
flood

Stormwater Fee

To help fund the program, a Stormwater Fee is charged to all properties in the City of Markham. This fee, combined with revenue from the Canada Gas Tax and other grants, will provide dedicated funds for both approved and future Stormwater infrastructure improvement projects City-wide.

Council Decisions and Resolutions:

Don Mills Channel Flood Protection

Don Mills Channel Flood Protection

If you own, manage or are renting a property within the Don Mills Channel area, your property and assets may be at risk due to flooding damage during intense thunderstorms.

The Don Mills Channel is a man-made channel that runs through the commercial & industrial section of the Woodbine Ave and Denison Street area. Several of the private properties and roads in this area are prone to flooding during large storm events. Major roads in the area, including Woodbine Avenue, can also be impassable during severe storms.

The reason this area is at higher risk of flooding is its limited capacity for carrying floodwater. The current system of storm sewers, open channels, and culverts was designed in the 1960’s to carry moderate storm events. The system does not have adequate capacity to handle stormwater during intense rainfall events.

Damage to property and assets may occur during severe thunderstorms and flooding.

The City of Markham has made significant infrastructure investments in flood control improvements. See here for the  latest on the Don Mills Channel Flood Reduction Program.

The City has also developed a Floodproofing and Education Program to assist property owners and tenants within this area to identify site-management and floodproofing measures to protect their properties and assets against flood damage.

Srudy+Area
West Thornhill Flood Remediation

Background

On August 19, 2005, the West Thornhill community was impacted by a severe rain storm during which stormwater runoff exceeded the capacity of drainage systems, causing extensive flooding of private property and roadways.  The storm was characterized by high rainfall intensities and volumes which resulted in the flooding of many basements in homes and institutions as well as watercourse erosion, and damage to the City’s infrastructure such as roads, culverts, sewers and watercourses

flood
flood

Environmental Assessment

A Class Environmental Assessment (EA) study for the West Thornhill Stormwater Flood Remediation Study was completed and approved in August 2011. The purpose of the Class EA study was to:

  • Identify and understand the causes of flooding in the study area;
  • Develop a range of alternative solutions to increase capacity and reduce flood risks in West Thornhill;
  • Identification and prioritization of the causes of basement flooding and surface flooding;
  • Evaluation of various flood remediation measures and develop a comprehensive remediation plan for the areas identified as highest priority and most likely to flood again in the future.

Preferred Alternative

The following Preferred Alternative was proposed from the findings in the Class EA Study for the West Thornhill Stormwater Flood Remediation Study:

  • Roof downspout disconnections;
  • New inlet control devices in catchbasins that limits the inflow to sewers;
  • Increased sewer inlet capacity at key locations where sewer capacity is available; and,
  • Storm sewer upsizing and inlets within and downstream of the high flood potential areas as well as ‘diversion’ pipes that reduce flows at critical locations relieving overloaded sewers.  
Downspout Disconnection Program
flood

As of December 6, 2022, the Citywide Multi-Phase Sanitary System Downspout Disconnection Program has been successfully completed by investigating and disconnecting identified downspouts that connected to the sanitary sewer system within the high risk of basement flooding area in Thornhill, Unionville and Markham Village. As part of the City’s ongoing effort to reduce the risk of basement flooding and sewer backup, the City staff will continue to monitor sewer conditions through the annual inspection and monitoring program, review flood reports from large weather event and collect feedback from residents and community to help identify and develop remediate measures for areas with high risk of basement flooding potential.

This multi-phase program was implemented to reduce the risk of basement flooding, and to limit environmental concerns caused by directly connecting downspouts to the sanitary sewer system. These connections increase the flow of rainwater into the sanitary sewer system during heavy or long rain events. This can cause:

  • The sanitary sewer system to overflow
  • Sanitary sewer backups
  • Basement flooding

This program also enforces the existing City of Markham Sewer By-Law # 2014-71 (PDF) [Clauses 3.1D & 19.11]. It also enforces the Region of York’s Sewage and Land Drainage By-Law # S-0064-2005-009, which prohibits the discharge of roof drainage water into the sanitary sewer system.

This program was done in six phases.

Phase 1 Program Area: The first phase of the program began in May, 2013 within the Thornhill area. The investigations and testing work within the Phase 1 Area (PDF) was finished in April 2014. The downspout disconnection work has been finished. Flow monitoring within the area started in Spring/Summer 2016.

Phase 2 Program Area: The second phase of the program began in May, 2014 within the Thornhill Area. The investigation and testing work with Phase 2 Area (PDF) was finished in April 2015. The notice of disconnection was mailed out to affected homeowners in June, 2015. The downspout disconnection work has been finished. Flow monitoring within the area commenced in Spring 2017.

Phase 3 Program Area: The third phase of the program began in May, 2015. It covered areas within Thornhill, Milliken, and Unionville. The investigation and testing work within the Phase 3 Area (PDF) ended in April, 2016. The downspout disconnection work has been finished.

Phase 4 Program Area: The fourth phase of the program began in May, 2016 within the Markham Area. The investigations and testing work within the Phase 4 Area (PDF) ended in February 2017. The notice of disconnection was mailed out to affected homeowners in September 2017.

Phase 5 Program Area: The fifth phase of the program began in May 2017, which covers area within Thornhill and Unionville. The investigation and testing work within the Phase 5 Area (PDF) was completed in November 2017. The notice of disconnection was mailed out to the affected homeowners in Fall 2018 and the disconnection period ended in Fall 2019. Post condition flow monitoring within the area commenced in Spring/Summer 2020.

Phase 5 Expansion Program Area: The fifth phase expansion of the program began in September 2017, which covers area within Thornhill and Markham Village. The investigation and testing work within the Phase 5 Expansion Area (PDF) started in November 2017.

Phase 6 Program Area: The sixth phase of the program began in September 2017, which covers areas within Unionville and Markham Village. The investigation and testing work within the Phase 6 Area (PDF) commenced in June 2018.

flood

Steps taken by City to identify downspout discharge locations

Before any downspouts are disconnected, the City needs to confirm whether the downspouts that go into the ground are actually connected to the municipal sanitary sewer system. To do this, the City takes following steps:

  1. Preliminary property investigation
    We do general surveys of residential lots to see whether downspouts are discharging above the ground or into the ground.
  2. Sanitary & storm sewer smoke testing
    We do smoke testing within the sanitary and storm sewer systems. This involves blowing a non-toxic, highly visible smoke through the systems and observing the exit points of the smoke. This test finds whether downspouts that go into the ground are connected into the sanitary sewer system or the storm sewer system. The smoke test also identifies other devices/equipment that are connected to the underground sewer system.

Identified downspouts that discharge into the municipal sanitary sewer system

After the investigations and testing were finished, the City sent a Notice of Disconnection to homes with downspouts connected to the sanitary sewer system. The notice showed which downspouts need to be disconnected. More information was provided about how to disconnect a downspout and use rain barrels when the downspout disconnection stage started.

Image

How to disconnect a downspout

  • Ensure there is a suitable area for the water to discharge from the downspout
  • Ensure downspouts are disconnected and drained properly away from the foundation walls and directly to a storage device (e.g. a rain barrel), your lawn, or garden.
  • When disconnecting downspouts, remember not to drain directly onto neighbouring properties, lanes, or sidewalks.
  • Extend your downspout to discharge water at least 1 metre from any structure's foundation (including your neighbour’s) or public sidewalk, and 2.5 metres from retaining walls.
  • Ensure the ground slopes away from the house for a minimum of 1 metre.
  • Use a splash pad to help direct the flow of water and protect against erosion.
  • Ensure eavestroughs are clean and drain properly.
  • Obtain professional advice and service from a knowledgeable and licensed roofer, eavestrough contractor, or civil engineer.

Read this Step-by-step procedure to disconnect your downspouts (PDF)

Using Rain Barrels

Rain barrels collect water from downspouts and rooftops and decrease the amount of storm water runoff that leaves your property. Using a rain barrel can help you lower your water bill and improve your lawn and garden.

Click here to learn more about rain barrels.

Helpful Links

Contact Us:

Help is only a phone call away! Waterworks staff will be more than happy to help you. Please call us at 905.477.5530.

Stormwater Management Facilities Maintenance

Stormwater Facilities Overview

Stormwater management facilities, or stormwater ponds, have been used to control stormwater from urban areas in Markham since the late 1980s, intended to ensure that new development does not increase or change the conditions for downstream landowners.  When first introduced, most stormwater ponds were dry, and designed to store water in order to prevent flooding and erosion downstream.  They have evolved over time to also include a permanent pools of water, used to trap sediment and prevent contaminants from our roads and subdivisions from entering our watercourses. 

While ponds can appear as attractive, natural features and are often surrounded by trails and parks, the public is encouraged to exercise caution around facilities, as conditions in stormwater management ponds can change rapidly due to fluctuating water levels and hazards associated with deep pools, fast moving water at inlets and outlets, and thin ice. 

As of May 2020, the city owns and maintains 123 stormwater ponds.  Several new facilities are added in the City of Markham each year.

ponds
ponds2

Maintenance Requirements

The City has a program to remove sediment from each pond, a practice that is completed at a frequency mandated by the Ministry of Environment, Conservation and Parks. This activity, called dredging, is undertaken approximately every 20 years, and involves draining the pond and removing the sediment that has been captured by the pond. City staff confirm the theoretical frequencies by periodically measuring actual sediment levels.

smw

Sediment Excavation During Pond Cleanout

In addition, the City conducts a full inspection of each stormwater facility every year to make sure that it is performing as originally designed. Based on these annual inspections, general maintenance is performed as required. This includes litter pickup, vegetation management, and removal of any blockages in the infrastructure at each pond.

Visit Environmental Services Current Projects for or further information on ongoing projects.

Image of Sediment Excavation During Pond Cleanout

Algae Growth and Colour Sheens

Stormwater ponds are designed to trap contaminants in order to protect the downstream watercourse, and in several situations, this means that the pond itself may not be the most aesthetically pleasing.  The growth of algae in stormwater ponds, while not aesthetically pleasing, is a common occurrence, especially during hot and dry summers.  The contaminants trapped by a stormwater pond will often contain nutrients, which promote the growth of algae. The degree that algae grows in a pond is driven by a variety of factors, which are very difficult (or impossible) to control.

Image of Green Algae
Image of Algae Bloom

From time to time, colour sheens are observed on pond water surfaces. Often these sheens have rainbow-like appearance. In some cases, a reddish precipitate can also be seen in the water where these sheens occur. While colour sheens may be caused by petroleum spills, they are often a result of the contaminants that are trapped in the specific pond.  Generally, if no petroleum odour is present, this is likely not a petroleum spill.   If you observe a colour sheen in the pond, please contact the City and we will investigate.  

For more information, please contact:

Robert Muir Manager, Stormwater

Email: rmuir@markham.ca

Phone: 905.477.7000 x 2357

Watercourse Erosion Restoration Program

City Wide Erosion Master Plan

Under the City-Wide Stream Erosion Master Study Implementation Plan, the City of Markham has established a systematic, five-phase process for identifying, inspecting, prioritizing, and restoring creek erosion sites within the City. 

The study was previously completed in 2007 (Aquafor Beech Ltd.) and in 2013/2014 (AECOM).  In 2018/2019, the study was undertaken by the City, and peer reviewed by Greck & Associates.  Through an annual erosion inspection program, the City monitors about 900 sites across all 19 watercourses in the City that may be susceptible to erosion.  

The City uses information collected through the inspection program to prioritize work, and then completes restoration of sites as required to minimize risks to public safety, infrastructure and the environment.  The City updates its 5 year plan for addressing erosion sites on an annual basis. 

Information about current erosion restoration projects may be found under Current Projects.

Erosion+Overview

Emergency Erosion Sites

River systems are dynamic, and the year over year changes are difficult to predict.  The City has an emergency erosion program to restore any sites that were not identified through the erosion master plan process, if an immediate threat to public health and safety, or the City’s infrastructure exists.

Erosion_Master_Plan_image
flood

Funding

The City has a policy, established in 2014 and revised in 2016, that speaks to how the cost associated with the implementation of erosion restoration projects is shared among the City, private landowners and the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). City funding for erosion site restoration comes from Development Charges, Life Cycle Replacement and Capital Reserves based on the 2007 endorsed guidelines. In some situations, funding for erosion restoration may be the responsibility of private landowners.  See links to council reports below for further details. 

Related Information: Council Decisions and Resolutions

Surface Water Quality

Swan Lake

Swan Lake is situated in the City of Markham at the intersection of Sixteenth Avenue and Williamson Road. 

A gravel pit in the 1960s and 1970s, Swan Lake is currently a community feature near the heart of Historic Markham Village, surrounded by multiple trails, a playground and urban development.

Healthy tree
Image of a dead tree on a lake

Background

Given that Swan Lake is a former gravel pit, the water in the lake tends to be very stagnant, which has led to poor water quality. There have been reports of water quality issues since the area around the Lake was developed in the mid-1990s.  Due to high phosphorus levels, significant algal blooms were present during the summer months. In 2011, the City initiated a monitoring program of the Lake to measure and monitor the water quality. 

Council authorized a chemical treatment  to help improve the Lake water quality, and in 2013, 25 tonnes of Phoslock (A non-toxic clay product capable of removing phosphorus from the water and capping phosphorus in the bottom sediment ) was applied across the Lake. Phoslock treatment resulted in a 60% reduction in total phosphorus in the surface and mid-layers of the Lake and increased water clarity.

Over time, the nutrient levels in the Lake have risen again due to the presence of Canada Geese in Swan Lake Park and through release from sediment. 

In 2020, the City developed a water quality improvement strategy for Swan Lake, and the Council supported the study recommendations, including annual measures to reduce nutrient inputs from geese and a chemical treatment program commencing in 2021.  

In August 2021, 13 tonnes of Poly Aluminum Chloride (PAC) were applied to the Lake in a controlled manner over several days.   Preliminary observations and testing indicated promising results with this application. Phosphorus concentration after treatment dropped by about 75% and water clarity increased by about 100%.

A long-term Management Plan  was received by the Markham Sub Committee in November 2021 and was approved by the Council in December 2021, including provisions for annual geese management and for chemical treatment every three years.

PAC treatment in 2021 resulted in about 75% reduction in both phosphorus and nitrogen compounds in 2022. As per the Long-Term Management Plan, the next treatment is planned for 2024.  The reduction in nutrient levels was accompanied by an increased in oxygen levels which improves the aquatic habitat.

Swan lake, August 3 2021
Swan lake, August 5 2021
Swan lake, August 19 2021

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

In order to lower the amount of algae in the Lake, additional measures are being implemented, including planting of submerged aquatic vegetation.  In addition to competing with algae for the available nutrients, aquatic vegetation will also provide habitat for zooplankton and prevent the sediment from releasing more nutrients.

Planting of submerged aquatic vegetation
Picture of a fish

Water Quality - Chloride

De-icing materials used for winter maintenance of roads, parking lots and walkways are the primary sources of chloride in urban lakes.  The amount of salt usage and hence chloride draining to the Lake depends on environmental variables and de-icing/snow removal operations. 

The City prescribes and tracks the quantity of salt distributed to the City roadways based upon current and future forecast models and temperatures to determine the required action and material usages in compliance with the desired service level of service and applicable regulations.

Residents are encouraged to follow best
practices in road salt management such as the one recommended by the Transportation
Association of Canada.

Chloride is persistent and does not biodegrade, readily precipitate, volatilize, or bioaccumulate. It does not adsorb readily onto mineral surfaces and therefore when introduced, concentrations remain high in surface water.

In recent years, redirecting some of the runoff away from the Lake (through the clearing of a pond inlet) has resulted in significant reduction in chloride concentration in the Lake, also improving habitat quality.

The City is also evaluating other options to manage chloride including sewer flow diversions, while ensuring that flood risk is not increased. The City will also be conducting research on chloride treatment technologies.

Annual Monitoring Program

Water quality monitoring of Swan Lake has been conducted annually since treatment in 2013 to track water quality and the continued effectiveness of the Phoslock. The ongoing monitoring program allows for continuous assessment of the water quality in Swan Lake and will be used to help refine and adapt the long-term plan for water quality improvement in Swan Lake.

Water quality monitoring equipment
Ice and water in front of the outlet structure in Swan Lake

Algal Bloom and Toxicity 

High nutrient concentrations, and a lack of permanent flow in and out of Swan Lake had resulted in the growth of different groups of algae, including green algae, diatoms and bluegreen algae (a.k.a. cyanobacteria).  Blooms of cyanobacteria are not only unsightly when they form scums on the Lake surface, but they may also produce toxins such as Microcystins which are toxic to humans, pets, and wild animals upon contact or ingestion. 

The 2021 chemical treatment reduced the amount of bluegreen algae significantly, however, some other algae types have persisted, resulting in lower water clarity than desired.

Dirty lake
Algae in Swan Lake, October 2023

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Geese Control

Geese are the primary external source of nutrients in the Lake. Therefore, active geese management is completed annually. The geese control program started in 2014, focusing on resident geese. The program extended to the management of migratory geese in 2016.

In 2020, the City reviewed additional geese management measures in consultation with subject matter experts and area residents.  Council approved additional hazing and the installation of nine strobe lights to be implemented immediately.

Geese management activities were further enhanced in 2021 through more frequent hazing, removing existing nests and eggs, and relocating resident geese to a farm away from the Lake.

While the waterfowl number in Ontario has been reported to have doubled over the last ten years , the Swan Lake geese population has decreased since the inception of the geese control program, indicating the efficacy of the program.

Geese Hazing
Geese Roundup for Relocation

A volunteer program was also initiated through which residents can submit observations about the geese present at the Lake through a survey application.  For more information on how to collect and submit geese counts, please scan the QR Code.

Geese QR

Fish Management

The current fish community in Swan Lake mainly consists of Common Carp (non-native), Brown Bullhead, and Fathead Minnow. This composition is not considered well-balanced, and the bottom-feeding species are also detrimental to the longevity of chemical treatments. These species were removed from the Lake before the 2021 chemical treatment, as well as in 2022 and 2023. Once the water quality improves, the City will work with environmental agencies to develop a fish management plan, which may include stocking with more  diverse and desirable fish species.

School of juvenile fish in water at Swan Lake, picture from June 2023
Fish Removal

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

 

Swan Lake Park Refresh

Following Council approval , a number of improvement projects have been completed in Swan Lake Park during 2021 and 2022 in addition to City-wide parks improvements, as well as in support of the water quality program, including:

  • Park pathway resurfacing and extension to complete the trail loop around the Lake
  • Shoreline improvements and public consultation on future shoreline restorations, including spraying and removal of Phragmites and establishing geese barriers
  • Plantings in the naturalized area on the north side, adding to previous pollinator plantings
  • Public outreach signage to raise awareness of the natural habitat
  • Understory plantings and removal of some invasive species
Amphibious vehicle cutting Phragmites below the waterline

Recreational Activities

Activities like skating, swimming or tobogganing are not allowed Swan Lake. 

Release of unwanted fish or aquarium pets in the Lake is not permitted. Residents are also advised against removing turtles from the Lake.

Fish catch and release is allowed but residents are advised against consumption of any amount of fish from the Lake.

A man holding a catfish on a fishing hook he caught from Swan Lake

Community Meeting on Program Update

Members of the public interested in the Swan Lake water quality improvement program were invited to a public meeting to learn about:

  • Details of the water quality improvement program
  • Achievements of the program since it started
  • Upcoming activities in 2024
  • Ways to get involved in improving water quality and habitat health
  • How to find more information

Where and When:

Council Reports:

  • Update on Swan Lake Water Quality (February, 2013)— see Report
  • Swan Lake Water Quality Improvement Program (June, 2020)— see Presentation
  • Geese Management at Swan Lake: Overview of Options and Path Forward (September, 2020)— see Presentation 
  • Swan Lake Long-Term Management Plan (November 2021) — see Report
  • Swan Lake 2021 Water Quality Status and Updates (May 2022)— see Presentation
  • Swan Lake 2022 Water Quality Status and Updates (May 2023)— see Presentation

For more information, please contact:

Robert Muir, Manager, Stormwater
Email: rmuir@markham.ca 

Phone: 905.477.7000 x 2357

Learn more about Markham's Waterworks Public Outreach & Education Programming

Learn more about Markham’s Waterworks Public Outreach & Education Programming

Protect Your Pipes! F.O.G Clogs

Protect Your Pipes! F.O.G Clogs

The disposal of fats, oils, and grease, or F.O.G. has become an increasing concern in Markham, as flooding and sewer backups continue to be a major problem in houses and condos. However, you can prevent it by disposing of F.O.G.products properly! They should NOT be poured down any drain, and instead be disposed of in your green bin/organics.

Don't Put Your Home at Risk! 

When F.O.G. products are poured down the drain, they harden and accumulate, which can clog pipes and block the flow of dirty water leaving your home. This means the waste water has nowhere to go but back into your house or condo. The resulting sewer back-ups can cost thousands of dollars to repair damage to your personal property, and may increase insurance rates and result in loss of coverage.

Properly disposing of F.O.G. is a community responsibility, as pipe misuse can even have consequences on neighbouring houses and units as well. Repair costs can be expensive, and while the city covers issues with city property, damage to private property is the owner’s responsibility.

What is F.O.G? 

F.O.G. products are anything that contains fats (such as saturated animal fats), oils (such as unsaturated plant fats), and grease.

Common examples of F.O.G. include:

  • Cooking oils (canola or olive oil, non-stick pan sprays)
  • Food scraps and leftover grease
  • Condiments (ketchup, curry paste)
  • Spreads (butter, margarine, cream cheese, jam)
  • Sauces (gravy, marinara)
  • Salad Dressings

"Wipe It. Scrape It. Pour It." How to Properly Dispose of F.O.G

F.O.G. belongs in the green bin, and should never be poured down the drain. Even when using hot water and soap, F.O.G. will still harden and clog in your cold pipes.

This means:

  • Wipe out any pots or pans after cooking
  • Scrape dishes clean after a meal
  • Pour any unwanted or expired condiment remains into the green bin

Make sure to recycle any empty containers!

Myths Busted and Dos and Don't 

All items listed below are Not True!

  • Running hot water and soap will prevent F.O.G. from clogging in your pipes — Myth!
  • Drain cleaners and degreasers can be used to dissolve F.O.G. build ups — Myth!
  • The toilet can handle F.O.G. being flushed down — Myth!
DosDont's
Absorb small amounts of fats, oils and grease with a paper towel and place it in your green binPour F.O.G. down any drain in your home including sinks and toilets
Wipe and scrape F.O.G. off dirty dishes, pots, and pans before you wash themPour harmful chemicals or degreasers down the drain to dissolve fats, oils, and grease
Empty expired or unwanted bottled food products (For example: salad dressing, ketchup, mayonnaise, sauces, etc.) into the green bin, then recycle empty glass or plastic bottles.Pour fats, oils and grease down the drain while running hot water – it will still solidify in your pipes, causing a blockage.
fats oils and grease FOG logo
Love Your Hydrant
Love

Love Your Hydrant - Community Program

Love Your Hydrant is a public education program that began in 2013 as a joint initiative between the Waterworks and Fire Departments. The goal was to educate and inform residents about proper care of neighbourhood hydrants by keeping them clear of snow, shrubs, and debris. It was also to encourage residents to report unauthorized use (water theft), damaged or vandalized hydrants.

Fire hydrants are owned and regularly maintained by the City of Markham Waterworks Department. Hydrants are connected to watermains allowing our Firefighters to access the water supply in emergencies.

In 2015, we started to promote this education campaign regularly throughout the year with major pushes in the winter and summer months. We use social media, the City’s website, posters at City facilities/community centres, and mobile signs. In 2017, we also did a piece on Fair Child TV to further promote the Love Your Hydrant initiative.

What You Need to Know:

  • Hidden, broken and damaged hydrants can delay firefighting efforts and can lead to serious consequences.
  • Water theft poses a serious health risk and this can cause contamination of our drinking water supply.
  • Those found tampering/damaging/vandalizing hydrants and stealing water can be charged and/or fined.

What You Can Do:

  1. Report theft, damage, tampering by calling 905.477.5530
  2. Keep clear of snow, grass, shrubs, debris. (1.2 metres)

Remember: Only the City of Markham Fire and Waterworks Departments can use fire hydrants. Any others can be charged and/or fined.

Tap Into Water e-Learning

Explore our collection of resources designed to educate everyone!

Teach students to become water warriors. Learn about: 

  • The value of water in our everyday lives
  • How to use less water daily
  • The importance of protecting our drinking water sources
Image
Protect Your Drinking Water
Resources

 

Use Less Water
Resources

 

Contact

Waterworks Department

8100 Warden Avenue

Markham, ON, L6G 1B4

Phone 905.477.5530

Hours

Monday to Friday
8 AM to 5 PM