AWRA areas prone to flooding

In 2005, 2013, and 2017, AWRA and surrounding areas were impacted by severe rain storms classified as 100-year storms. As a result of this extreme weather, stormwater runoff exceeded the capacity of drainage systems, causing extensive flooding of private and public properties. The storms were characterized by high rainfall intensities and volumes which resulted in:

• the flooding of many basements in homes and institutions
• watercourse erosion
• damage to the City’s infrastructure (roads, culverts, sewers, and watercourses)
• major basement flooding and extensive damage in the Thornhill Community Centre (John Street & Bayview Avenue) 

The map above shows AWRA areas prone to flooding.

As you can see from the map, lower-lying areas in the Aileen-Willowbrook neighbourhood are especially at risk of flooding after heavy storms. Streets that are especially prone to this include: Holm Crescent, Tamarack Drive, Braeburn Drive, and Henricks Road.

AWRA has been in ongoing communication about this issue with Councillor Keith Irish.

There are massive infrastructure improvements currently underway on the west side of Bayview. The Grandview area was just completed and the Romfield area improvement project started in April 2023. 

Because of the aged infrastructure across the AWRA area, we will continue to lobby the City for the remediation that’s required in order to safely manage any future stormwater surges.  In the interim, it’s strongly encouraged for those who may be affected, to take advantage of the rebates currently being offered by the City.

AWRA members receive help from AWRA’s Flooding Remediation Program with volume discounts combined with the City’s “Private Plumbing Protection Rebate Program”* (which City Council recently extended to April 2027) for:

• Backwater Valve Installation
• Weeping Tile Disconnection
• Sump Pump Installation
• Sanitary and Storm Lateral Relining and Repair

*The City Program’s eligibility and application process have also been updated.

AWRA has helped to correct/prevent ‘basement backflow’ in dozens of area homes by arranging for equipment and plumbing services at minimal cost to homeowners.

To date, over 40 residents have taken advantage of working with a local plumber who continues to offer discounted rates to AWRA members.

If you live in the Aileen-Willowbrook area and are concerned about possible future flooding in your home, AWRA strongly recommends taking advantage of The AWRA Flooding Remediation Program (volume discounts from local, reliable plumber) PLUS the Private Plumbing Protection Rebate Program currently being offered by the City of Markham. 

Rebates will be offered for Backwater Valve Installation, Weeping Tile Disconnection & Sump Pump installation & Sanitary & Storm Lateral Relining & Repair.

Contact AWRA and we can connect you to a plumber who continues to offer discounted rates to AWRA Members. If you’d like to take advantage of this offer, please consider an AWRA membership. (Contact information is also available at the link).

Additional information about the scam is on the Town of Markham website, click HERE

If you appreciate AWRA's work in this (and other!) areas, please consider joining or donating.