Background

The City of Markham experienced three significant storm events in June and July 2017 that resulted in 350 reports of flooding throughout the Markham Village and Unionville Areas. In response to these storm events, the City has recognized the need for a comprehensive approach to mitigate the risks of flooding in the areas of Markham Village and Unionville . 

 

The existing storm sewer system lacks sufficient capacity to manage stormwater runoff during substantial storm events. A majority of the sewer systems in Markham Village and Unionville were planned and built prior to 1978, following to the City's design guideline centered on a 2-year design storm. This design standard no longer aligns with the current guideline, which advocates for a more rigorous and conservative Level of Service (LOS) based on a 100-year design storm. Consequently, upgrades to the sewer system are imperative in certain areas to meet the heightened LOS requirements for a 100-year storm event.

Feasibility Study

In May 2021, a feasibility study for Markham Village and Unionville was successfully completed. The primary objective of this study was to establish a comprehensive planning document, facilitating the subsequent phases of the flood remediation program in Markham Village and Unionville. This includes activities such as financial planning, regulatory approvals, as well as the design and construction phases, scheduled to start over the upcoming years. The figure below shows the project areas divided to four phases.

Proposed Solution

The Feasibility Study recommended the following Proposed Solutions:

1. Markham Village Phase 1: Multiple Storm sewer, Sanitary Sewer and Watermain upgrades per the following figure within the below roads:

• Church Street, Elm Street, Jack Court, Sir Isaac Gate, Judy Court, Jill Court, King Arthur's Court, Rose Way, Parkway Avenue, Sir Galahad Place, Wootten Way North, Sir Tristram Place, Sir Lancelot Drive, Sir Kay Drive, Sir Gareth Court, Sir Gawaine Place, Sir Pellias Terrace, Sir Bedevere Place, Sir Ector Court, Sir Percival Court, Sir Constantine Drive, Sir Caradoc Place, and Sir Bodwin Place.

2. Markham Village Phase 2: Multiple Storm sewer and Sanitary Sewer upgrades per the following figure within the below roads:

• Fincham Ave., Daniel Crt., Hallam Rd., Larkin Ave., Ramona Blvd., Brockfield Crt., Sir Constantine Dr., Enos Gate, Bryant Rd., Main Street Markham Rd. N., Peter St., Beech St.,

3. Markham Village - Unionville Phase 3: Storm sewer and Sanitary Sewer upgrades per the following figure within the below roads:

• Robinson St., King Richard Crt., Friar Tuck Rd., Alanadale Ave.

       4. Markham Village - Unionville Phase 4: Storm sewer and Sanitary Sewer upgrades per the following figure within the           below roads:

• Milne Lane, Rouge St., Senator Reesor’s Dr. Henry Corson Pl., Wootten Way S., John Detexer Pl., Captain Armstrong’s Lane, Major Buttons Dr., James Speight Rd., Squire Baker’s Lane.

Project Implementation— Phase 1 Design and Construction

The City of Markham retained R. V. Anderson in 2022 to undertake the detailed design for the proposed upgrades within the Markham Village Phase 1 areas (see map above). Proposed solutions identified in the feasibility study were refined through the design and approvals process.

The design of Phase 1 works was completed in early 2024. To inform residents, businesses and impacted stakeholders of upcoming construction work, a Public Information Centre (PIC) was held in February 26, 2024 at the Markham Village Community Centre. Planned works were summarized on the following map identifying Phase 1 storm sewer, sanitary sewer and watermain upgrades.

The full presentation including timing of construction, as well as information on traffic management (detours and road closures), can be downloaded under project documents below.

A Request for Tender (RFT) for construction of Phase 1A works was released by the City in December 2023. February 2024 a contractor was selected (see Council report below) to complete works in the Phase 1A area shown below.  Drainstar Contracting Ltd. will commence the construction in the Phase 1A area in mid-April 2024.

Project Documents and Reports to Council:

• Community Information Meeting (April 26, 2018)— see Presentation
• Markham Village and Unionville Flood Study Council Presentation (April 26, 2020)— see Presentation
• Public Consultation #1 (October 2020)— See Presentation
• Markham Village Implementation Plan (April 2021)— see Report
• Public Consultation #2 (June 2021)— See Presentation
  
• Markham Village and Unionville Flood Mitigation Study General Committee Meeting (October 2021)— See Presentation
• Recommendation for Award of 289-T-23 Markham Village Phase 1A - Storm Sewers and Watermain Upgrades — see Report
• Markham Village Flood Control Implementation Project Phase 1A Community Information Meeting — See Presentation
  
  

Contact information:

Robert Muir, Manager, Stormwater
Email: rmuir@markham.ca
Phone: 905.477.7000 x 2357