Toronto flash flood shows we need to do more about climate change

In July, a severe storm flooded many of Toronto’s streets, highways, and subway stations. More than 120,000 residents lost power, and many people were trapped in elevators. Toronto got more than a month’s worth of rain in a few hours. An estimated 80 to 100 millimetres of rain fell across the city.

Extreme weather events include flooding, heatwaves, or poor air quality. These events have serious impact on everyone in Toronto. Floodwaters can carry contaminants like raw sewage, industrial chemicals, and other hazardous materials. These toxins present health risks to people.

Floods can also affect our daily activities through public transportation delays, road closures, and disruption of food supplies. We are going to see more extreme rainfall in the future because of rapid climate change and rising temperatures. We will need to adapt to this new normal.

City of Toronto is working on initiatives to protect communities from the severe impact of climate change. For example, the City is investing in upgrading stormwater infrastructure, and expanding and modernizing sewer systems. They are also creating stormwater retention ponds and wetlands to manage excess water.

How can you prepare yourself for severe weather?

• Prevent sewer blockages. We use items daily that cannot go down our toilets or drains. Even products labelled “flushable” or “biodegradable” do not always dissolve. If you put them in the toilet or drain, you can damage the City’s sewer system and wastewater treatment plants. This can result in much worse flooding. Learn more from these City of Toronto resources about what not to flush, and how to keep sewage systems free of clogs.
• Keep communities clean. Litter and debris from urban areas can cause more blockages in sewage systems, hurt wildlife, and continue to pollute the environment. Learn more about the City’s guidelines for keeping communities clean and managing waste properly.
• Plant trees in your communities. Trees are important in flood prevention. They hold excess water through their root systems, help soil absorb water much faster, and their leaves slow down the rainfall. TCHC partners with the community organization Local Enhancement and Appreciation of Forests (LEAF). This organization provides hundreds of trees and shrubs each year for free to TCHC tenants. Visit LEAF’s website to apply for trees and shrubs.
• Be prepared for emergency situations. Make sure you have extra flashlights and batteries at home. Keep cell phones and other devices fully charged with extra charged power banks, if possible. Stock canned and dry food. If you have a disability, take part in TCHC’s Self-ID process.
• Report issues quickly. In case of water damage or flooding, tell your superintendent or the Client Care Centre at 416-981-5500 as soon as possible. It is important to fix these issues early so that we can prevent more damage.
• Reduce your electricity and natural gas use. In Toronto, most of the greenhouse gas emissions come from the residential buildings in the city. We can reduce emissions by being aware of how we use electronics, thermostats, heating, or air conditioners in our homes. Keep electronics unplugged when they are not in use. You can also use power bars with on and off switches to keep them off. Keep your home at the recommended seasonal temperature to make sure you are using heating and cooling appliances efficiently.

Visit the Conservation page to learn more about conservation programs and initiatives. You can also email us at conservation@torontohousing.ca.

Get more information on emergency preparedness and related procedures in TCHC's Safety Guide. The Safety Guide is available in large print and 18 languages.