What do you think of Richmond Hill's $1.5M solution to Mill Street flooding? City wants to hear from you

Yorkregion.com
Sept. 21, 2022

Two years after a major rainstorm caused significant flooding in a Richmond Hill neighbourhood, the city has identified a preferred solution to address the issue and is now asking the public for feedback.

On Aug. 4, 2020, two homes on Mill Street saw substantial flooding and ponding of water in their rear yards as a result of the extreme weather, which has led to a drainage investigation conducted by the City of Richmond Hill in the Mill Street and Altamira Road area.

As the city staff recently concluded the investigation, a virtual public open house was created for the public to learn about the findings, all the solutions explored and an opportunity to provide comments.

A 10-minute pre-recorded presentation is currently available on the city’s website and the public is encouraged to tell the city what they think of the recommended solution for the project between Sept. 19 and Oct. 7.

Jowell Liang, Richmond Hill's project manager of water resources, presented six options identified by the city to address the flooding issue and the recommended solution, which is expected to reduce all foreseeable flooding risks in the area.

The recommended option -- called “in-line pipe storage” -- is estimated to cost $1,509,000.

It would require the construction of a 1,800-millimetre storage pipe on Altamira Road between 234 Altamira Rd. property and existing Wood Lane storm sewer. The existing pipe between 234 and 238 Altamira Rd. would be decommissioned while the excess water is expected to be stored in the new storage pipe.

After viewing the presentation, the public can fill out the online comment form at RichmondHill.ca/CapitalProjects. Click on the “Mill Street and Altamira Road Drainage Improvements” drop down to find the links.

Should anyone have any questions or comments, require further information, or wish to be added to the study mailing list for future updates, contact the project lead below:

Jowell Liang, P.Eng.

Project Manager, Water Resources

City of Richmond Hill

225 East Beaver Creek

Richmond Hill, ON L4B 3P4

905-771-2507

jowell.liang@richmondhill.ca

For all other stormwater management inquiries in the city, please email stormwater@richmondhill.ca.