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.
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.
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