The City of Brampton has begun the first phase of the Riverwalk Flood Protection Project, a major initiative aimed at improving flood safety and supporting long-term redevelopment in the city’s downtown core. Early construction work is now underway, including the installation of protective fencing around the site and the removal of selected trees and vegetation to prepare the area for the future flood protection channel along Etobicoke Creek. City officials say these preliminary steps mark the start of a multi-year project designed to modernize Brampton’s flood protection infrastructure and reduce the risks that have historically limited development in the downtown floodplain.
As part of the early construction stage, a temporary lane closure will affect Scott Street between Church Street and the Scott Street bridge over Etobicoke Creek from March 16 to April 1, 2026. Residents are being advised to expect possible delays and consider alternate travel routes during this period. Work will also begin on creating a temporary alternate channel to safely reroute the creek while the new flood protection channel is constructed. City planners say this approach allows construction to proceed while maintaining water flow and protecting the surrounding ecosystem through improved control of erosion, sediment and water quality.
Full construction activity is expected to begin later in the spring, when crews will start major flood mitigation work along the Etobicoke Creek corridor, including deepening and widening the channel. The city is carrying out the project in partnership with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and says environmental measures are being implemented to protect wildlife during construction. These steps include installing bat boxes and creating alternative habitats for species affected by the early stages of work. Officials also say the city will plant three new trees for every tree removed as part of the project.
The Riverwalk Flood Protection Project is a key component of the city’s broader plan to revitalize downtown Brampton. Located within a floodplain historically vulnerable to severe flooding, the downtown area has faced development restrictions for decades. Once completed, the upgraded flood protection system is expected to exceed provincial regulatory flood standards and be capable of handling rainfall events of roughly 285 millimetres over a 48-hour period.
City leaders say the project will unlock major economic and community benefits, including the potential to accommodate approximately 17,700 new residents in downtown Brampton, generate about 23,800 jobs—including roughly 2,200 construction positions—and open up more than 3.6 million square feet of space for future residential, retail and commercial development. Phase One focuses on the flood protection infrastructure and is expected to be completed by spring 2028, while Phase Two will introduce parks, open spaces, trails, housing and new business areas along the Etobicoke Creek corridor.
Officials say they will continue providing updates to residents and businesses as construction progresses and are encouraging people to continue supporting downtown shops and restaurants during the transformation. The Riverwalk project is one of several initiatives underway as Brampton works to create a safer, more connected and vibrant downtown for the future.