Flooding in Toronto & GTA: High-Risk Locations, Strategies & Solutions

Table Of Contents:
Cities in GTA with a High Flood Risk
What Causes Flooding In Toronto & GTA
Strategies To Protect Your Home From Floods
What To Do If Your Home Has Flooded

Flooding is a major concern in the Greater Toronto Area, with high-risk cities including Toronto, Mississauga, Brampton, Vaughan, and Oakville. These areas are prone to flooding due to heavy rainfall, snowmelt, and aging infrastructure. Homeowners should take steps to protect their properties by installing waterproofing solutions and drainage strategies.

Cities in GTA with a High Flood Risk

Certain areas in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) are particularly prone to flooding due to a combination of geography, urbanization, and infrastructure challenges. Identifying these high-risk areas helps homeowners take the necessary precautions to minimize potential damage and protect their properties.

Ajax

Ajax is one of the most flood-prone cities in the GTA, largely due to its low-lying areas and proximity to Lake Ontario and various creeks. It has been identified as having a very high flood risk, making flood prevention and awareness especially important for residents in this area.

Toronto

These neighbourhoods in Toronto are considered the most flood-prone areas because of high population densities and inappropriate stormwater handling systems. Heavy rainfall events and snowmelts can easily overwhelm these systems and cause flooding.

Mississauga

Mississauga, especially near Lake Ontario and the Credit River, is at high risk of flooding. Low-lying areas and those near major water bodies are especially vulnerable to surges in water levels during storms and heavy rainfall events.

Brampton

With major floodplains and several creeks, Brampton faces significant flooding risks, especially during periods of heavy rainfall. The city’s geography makes it especially prone to flash flooding, which can affect residential areas near these waterways.

Vaughan (Woodbridge and Maple)

Vaughan’s flood risk is high due to its proximity to the Humber River and its tributaries. The combination of natural flooding risks and the effects of urban development exacerbates the vulnerability of areas like Woodbridge and Maple.

Oakville and Burlington

Oakville and Burlington are particularly susceptible to flooding due to their proximity to Lake Ontario. Areas along the shoreline, as well as regions with natural floodplains, are at high risk of flooding from rising lake levels, especially during storms or heavy rain.

Markham, Newmarket, and Hamilton

These cities are also vulnerable to flooding, particularly in areas near rivers and lakes. The proximity to water, combined with aging infrastructure in some regions, makes these cities prone to localized flooding during intense rainfall or snowmelt.

What Causes Flooding In Toronto & GTA

Flooding in the GTA may be due to many different natural and artificial reasons. Understanding these causes is crucial to minimizing damages from flooding and protecting your home. Here are the main causes of flooding in Toronto and the surrounding areas:

• Heavy Rainfall: Heavy storms can sometimes dump incredible volumes of rainfall. In cities, such as Toronto, the high volume of runoff generated by impermeable surfaces (roads, buildings, etc. often results in basement and street flooding.
• Snowmelt: During the spring, the snow that had been accumulating all winter melts rapidly, contributing to a significant increase in runoff. It may overwhelm local drainage systems and flood residential streets, especially in older neighbourhoods where updated stormwater management infrastructure may be lacking.
• Urbanization and Impervious Surfaces: The GTA has undergone significant urban growth, which has replaced natural landscapes with impervious materials such as concrete and asphalt. This reduces the ability of the land to absorb water, making it more difficult for stormwater to be absorbed naturally and leading to greater flooding.
• Flooding of Rivers and Lakes: Location near rivers, creeks, and lakes makes areas of GTA prone to flooding. An example is that the Humber River and other waterways can flood during heavy rainfall and snowmelt, which also affects nearby residential areas. This is also true with water levels rising at Lake Ontario and causing localized flooding along shorelines, which is common in places like Oakville and Burlington.
• Aging Infrastructure: Much of the GTA, particularly older neighbourhoods, relies on stormwater systems that are outdated and incapable of handling the volumes of rainfall seen today. This further increases the chances of flash flooding, especially during heavy weather conditions.

Strategies To Protect Your Home From Floods

Safeguarding your home against flooding involves proactive measures and protective solutions. Here are some of the best strategies to prevent water from entering your home and causing significant damage:

Waterproofing Your Basement

Installing basement waterproofing solutions is among the most effective methods of saving your home from flood damage. A majority of the homes in the GTA, especially the older properties, have basements that are susceptible to water seepage either due to foundation cracks or an inefficient drainage system. Waterproofing your basement keeps water out, and mould growth at bay, and maintains structural integrity in your home. Key basement waterproofing solutions include:

• Foundation Crack Repair: Sealing leaks in your foundation to prevent water from seeping into your basement.
• Waterproof Membranes: Installing waterproofing membranes act as barriers to moisture.
• Sump Pumps: This actively gets rid of surplus water from your basement, especially during heavy rains or storms.

French Drains

One of the best ways to redirect water away from the home’s foundation is by installing a French drain. This consists of a trench filled with gravel that contains a perforated pipe to carry excess water away from vulnerable areas, such as the foundation. Installing a French drain stops water from pooling around the foundation of your house and flooding it. This method works great for places with naturally poor drainage and saturated ground because of heavy rains.

Other ways include having proper grading around your home, keeping gutters and downspouts clean, and using window wells around basement windows to prevent water from collecting.

What To Do If Your Home Has Flooded

Despite the best efforts to protect your home, floods can still happen. If your home does take on water, taking immediate action can help reduce the damage and make recovery easier. Here’s what to do right away:

1. Safety First: If there is even a hint of electrical hazards – for instance, exposed wires or water near electrical outlets – leave your home right away. Avoid standing in water until you are assured it is safe.
2. Turn Off Utilities: If possible, shut off the gas, electricity, and water supply to prevent any accidents or further damage.
3. Document the Damage: Take photos of the flooding and the damage it caused. This is essential for insurance claims and recovery.
4. Call the Pros: Call DGI for emergency water damage cleanup services! Our experts can quickly remove excess water, dry out your home, and prevent mould growth, which can occur in as little as 24-48 hours in damp conditions.
5. Start Cleaning: Remove any wet or damaged furniture and belongings, but avoid discarding items until your insurance company has documented the damage. Professionals can assist with cleaning and restoring salvageable items.
6. Check for Mould: Mould growth is a major concern after flooding. Hire mould removal specialists to assess and treat any mould that may have formed during the water damage.

Flooding in the GTA is one of the major concerns for most homeowners, and the good news is that you can significantly minimize your risk with proper preparation and strategies.

At DGI Waterproofing, we waterproof homes, install French drains and perform other flood prevention services for home and property owners across Toronto and the GTA. If you live in a flood-prone area, or if you simply want to take proactive steps toward protecting your home, then we would be delighted to hear from you and discuss how we can help.