Canada helps protect shoreline and sewer systems in Hamilton from extreme storms

HAMILTON, ON, April 4, 2019 /CNW/ - Now more than ever, communities need help adapting to the frequent and intensifying weather events caused by climate change. Reducing the impact of natural disasters such as flooding and wildfires is critical to keeping Canadian families safe, protecting local businesses and supporting a strong economy and the middle class.

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities, today announced funding for shoreline protection and landscape resilience projects to defend against extreme storm events in Hamilton.

The project will see rehabilitation to shorelines damaged by storms in 2017 and 2018. The shoreline will also be reinforced by raising it above the current water level and adding stones along the foundation. This reinforced barrier will keep water from Hamilton Harbour and along Lake Ontario from flooding into the City and improve resilience for future extreme storm events.

The project also includes installation of new backflow devices along the Hamilton sewer system. These devices will prevent lake and harbour water from entering the City's sewer system during severe storms. By protecting the sewer system from overflows, the project will improve resilience, minimize risk of flood and reduce basement flooding for residents.

The Government of Canada is contributing over $12.7 million to this project through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund. The City of Hamilton will provide the remainder of the project funding.

Quotes

"Taking initiative to adapt to the impacts of climate change is essential to ensuring safe and prosperous communities. This project will protect the City of Hamilton from severe storms and the damages they cause. By investing in infrastructure that protects communities now, we are helping build for the future."

The Honourable François-Philippe Champagne, Minister of Infrastructure and Communities

"Extreme weather is becoming more severe, more frequent, more damaging and more expensive because of climate change. By investing in the infrastructure that protects our neighbourhoods, businesses, and families, we are building communities that can withstand future natural disasters and thrive for generations to come."

The Honourable Ralph Goodale, Minister of Public Safety

"In the past few years, too many of us have been impacted by damage caused by climate change and extreme weather. Those situations are dangerous in the moment, and the recovery is stressful and costly. Building infrastructure like this is a reassuring step for Hamiltonians who have seen the damages up close."

The Honourable Filomena Tassi, Minister of Seniors

"Now more than ever, Canadian communities need to take action and adapt to climate change. I am proud to say that this important work will help safeguard the City of Hamilton's water supply and protect the community and residents from flooding for decades to come."

Bob Bratina, Member of Parliament for Hamilton East ? Stoney Creek

"The City of Hamilton is committed to taking action on climate change which includes protecting our shorelines and municipal water supply. This investment will help build the infrastructure needed to withstand the effects of extreme weather and demonstrates our strong partnership with the federal government and our joint commitment to taking climate action."

His Worship Fred Eisenberger, Mayor of Hamilton

Quick facts

• The Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund (DMAF) is a $2-billion, 10-year program to help communities build the infrastructure they need to better withstand natural hazards such as floods, wildfires, earthquakes and droughts.
• DMAF is part of the federal government's Investing in Canada infrastructure plan, which is providing more than $180 billion over 12 years for public transit projects, green infrastructure, social infrastructure, trade and transportation routes, and rural and northern communities.
• Investing in green infrastructure that helps communities cope with the intensifying effects of climate change is an integral part of Canada's transition to a more resilient, low-carbon economy, which is among the commitments made under the Pan-Canadian Framework on Clean Growth and Climate Change.
• Budget 2019, Investing in the Middle Class, is the government's plan to create more good well-paying jobs, put homeownership within reach of more Canadians, help working people get the training they need to succeed, support seniors, and lay the foundation for national pharmacare.
• Announcements in Budget 2019 build on the Government's Investing in Canada Plan, under which the Government is investing more than $180 billion over 12 years to build infrastructure in communities across the country.
• With many municipalities across Canada facing serious infrastructure deficits, Budget 2019 proposes a one-time transfer of $2.2 billion through the federal Gas Tax Fund to address short-term priorities in municipalities and First Nations communities.

Associated links

Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/dmaf-faac/index-eng.html  

Investing in Canada: Canada's Long-Term Infrastructure Plan:
http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/plan/icp-publication-pic-eng.html 

Federal infrastructure investments in Ontario: https://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/investments-2002-investissements/on-eng.html

Investing in Canada plan project map: http://www.infrastructure.gc.ca/gmap-gcarte/index-eng.html

Budget 2019: https://www.budget.gc.ca/2019/home-accueil-en.html

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SOURCE Infrastructure Canada