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.
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.
The Feasibility Study recommended the following Proposed Solutions:
4. Markham Village - Unionville Phase 4: Storm sewer and Sanitary Sewer upgrades per the following figure within the below roads:
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:
Contact information:
Robert Muir, Manager, Stormwater
Email: rmuir@markham.ca
Phone: 905.477.7000 x 2357