FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
City of Brampton celebrates the kick-off of construction on Riverwalk Phase One: Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project
A major milestone toward unlocking downtown Brampton’s full potential and protecting the city’s core
BRAMPTON, ON (November 21, 2025) – The City of Brampton officially kicked off construction on the
Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project, the first phase of the Riverwalk project. This marks a significant milestone toward transforming the City’s downtown core and protecting it from future flooding events. The flood protection project is a foundational catalyst for growth and revitalization and is one of Brampton’s most transformative infrastructure projects, setting the stage for vibrant revitalization, environmental resilience and economic development.
Dignitaries come together to celebrate the kick-off of construction on Riverwalk’s Downtown Brampton Flood Projection Project. Credit: City of Brampton
Once complete, Riverwalk’s Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project will protect downtown from future flood risks while unlocking new opportunities for housing, business and development.
Conceptual rendering of Riverwalk’s Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project (subject to refinement). Credit: City of Brampton
About Riverwalk Phase One: Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project
Downtown Brampton lies within the Etobicoke Creek floodplain, an area historically prone to severe flooding that has limited redevelopment in the city’s core. The worst flood on record occurred in March 1948, when approximately six feet (1.8 metres) of water inundated Main and Queen Streets, causing nearly half a million dollars in damage. This event led to the construction of the Etobicoke Creek diversion and channel, completed in 1952, which has protected the community for more than 70 years.
Photo of severe flooding in downtown Brampton in March 1948. Credit: Peel Art Gallery Museum and Archives
Building on that legacy, Riverwalk’s Flood Protection Project will modernize and expand Brampton’s flood protection system. Once complete, the system will exceed Ontario’s Regulatory Flood Standards and be capable of withstanding storm events equivalent to or greater than Hurricane Hazel (i.e., rainfall amounts of up to approximately 285 millimetres over 48 hours).
Beyond flood protection, Riverwalk will deliver substantial social and economic benefits for Brampton and Canada as a whole. The project is expected to:
- Enable new development to accommodate approximately 17,700 new residents in downtown Brampton.
- Enable the creation of 23,800 jobs, including 2,200 construction-related positions during the building phase.
- Unlock 3.6 million square feet of new residential, retail and commercial space for development.
Phase One of the project focuses on flood protection infrastructure by deepening and widening the Etobicoke Creek Channel. Phase Two will implement the
Urban Design Master Plan, introducing new parks, open spaces, trails, homes and business areas along the Etobicoke Creek.
Map of the Riverwalk’s Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project (subject to refinement). Credit: City of Brampton
The Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project represents a collaborative investment between all three orders of government. Partnerships with the Governments of Canada, the Government of Ontario, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the City of Brampton have made it possible to deliver this generational infrastructure project. This includes a contribution of over $38.8 million from the Government of Canada through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and a nearly $50 million investment from the Government of Ontario’s Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program. Together, these partners are advancing Brampton’s leadership in sustainable city-building and climate resilience.
Early construction for Riverwalk’s Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project will begin in the coming weeks with site preparation. Full construction of the flood protection project is expected to begin in early 2026 and continue through spring 2028, marking completion of Phase One and beginning of Phase Two, which will continue beyond 2030.
Stay Connected
To learn more about the project, review regular updates, construction notices and project milestones, visit
brampton.ca/riverwalk. Ask questions and share your thoughts as the project moves forward by emailing
riverwalk@brampton.ca.
Downtown Brampton Revitalization
Downtown Brampton is undergoing a major transformation with several bold projects underway. Riverwalk is a central pillar in Brampton’s long-term downtown revitalization strategy. As this work progresses, several complementary projects are also underway to create a safer, more connected and vibrant downtown. They include the redevelopment of Ken Whillans and Garden Squares, Main and Queen Streets Streetscaping and the demolition of City-Owned properties 30-60 Main Street North and Interim Strategy for Expansion of Garden Square. The City is investing in vibrant, inclusive public spaces that reflect its identity and meet the needs of a growing, diverse community. As downtown Brampton evolves, it is rapidly becoming a thriving ecosystem for innovation and technology, positioning the city to compete on a global stage and helping to drive economic growth locally, provincially and nationally. For more information, visit
brampton.ca/downtown.
Open during construction: Support local downtown businesses
The City is working closely with the Downtown Brampton Business Improvement Area (BIA) and local businesses to minimize disruption and maintain access throughout construction. Downtown businesses remain open throughout construction, and residents and visitors are encouraged to continue shopping, dining and attending events in the area. Supporting local businesses helps sustain jobs, strengthens the local economy and keeps Brampton’s downtown vibrant and resilient through this period of transformation. To discover upcoming events and explore the unique shopping and dining experiences in downtown Brampton, visit the
Downtown Brampton BIA website.
