Woodbridge, a neighborhood in the Greater Toronto Area, faces serious flooding risks. Its location by the Humber and East Humber rivers places it in a low-lying floodplain, where development occurred long before modern flood planning. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) ranks Woodbridge as one of the most flood-vulnerable areas in York Region.
David Kellershohn, an associate director at TRCA, explains, “The area’s elevation, close to the river, is a major factor in its flood vulnerability.” Homes were built in flood-prone areas, and urbanization has led to increased runoff during heavy rainfall.
As a Special Policy Area (SPA), Woodbridge has restrictions on redevelopment. This is to ensure safety since the area is already prone to flooding. In fact, flooding can begin during a two-year storm event, meaning it could happen often enough that residents should prepare.
Since 2002, the peak flows in the Humber River have increased. The more paved surfaces, like roads and parking lots, have exacerbated the flooding risk by reducing the land’s ability to absorb water. Recent studies show an increase in average annual precipitation across Canada, although the TRCA notes that we need to be careful about perceptions of rising flood frequency.
Urbanization affects how we view flooding. Jennifer Drake, a professor at the University of Toronto, says, “When rural land turns into roads and buildings, we lose the ground’s ability to absorb rainwater.” This leads to overwhelming drainage systems, creating the impression of more floods.
Vaughan has initiated a tree canopy plan aiming to absorb rainwater and cool urban heat. While important, expert opinions suggest trees alone won’t fix flooding in areas like Woodbridge. Drake highlights that while trees can absorb water through their roots and surfaces, retrofitting older neighborhoods with better stormwater systems remains a challenge. “In established areas, you have to consider space and costs,” she says. Simple solutions, like disconnecting roof downspouts from sewer systems, can help alleviate immediate pressure on drainage.
No major flood projects are currently planned for Woodbridge, raising concerns about whether the area can keep pace with growing flood risks. As urban landscapes change and weather patterns shift, communities like Woodbridge must find innovative ways to address and adapt to flooding challenges.
For more on flood management strategies, visit the [Toronto and Region Conservation Authority](https://trca.ca/conservation/watershed-management/humber-river-watershed-plan/).
