Port Lands Flood Protection
Toronto, Ontario
The Port Lands Flood Protection (“PLFP”) project is a transformative initiative aimed at enhancing flood protection for southeastern downtown Toronto—specifically Leslieville, the Port Lands, and South Riverdale. Historically, these areas have been highly susceptible to flooding due to their low-lying terrain, limited natural drainage, and proximity to the channelized mouth of the Don River. Decades of industrial development and land infilling further disrupted natural stormwater pathways, intensifying flood risks during heavy rainfall.
A cornerstone of the PLFP project is the naturalization of the Don River mouth. This involves constructing a new river channel that connects the Don River directly to Lake Ontario. The new channel, approximately 1 kilometre long, is designed to improve floodwater conveyance, and protect surrounding neighbourhoods from extreme flooding. The riverbanks are engineered to withstand fast-moving flows, providing long-term resilience against increasingly frequent and severe weather events.
Integral to the Port Lands Flood Protection strategy is the incorporation of naturalized wetland systems designed to enhance both flood resilience and ecological diversity. These wetlands act as natural storage and attenuation areas, temporarily retaining and gradually releasing stormwater to regulate flows during heavy rainfall events. In the rare event of a catastrophic storm that exceeds system capacity, an emergency overflow—the Don Greenway—serves as a controlled pathway to direct excess water away from developed areas. While not connected to the Don River under normal conditions, it functions solely as a contingency measure, activated only during extreme weather events to mitigate the potential for widespread flooding.
The project also includes extensive ecological restoration, featuring re-naturalized wetlands, meadows, and riparian zones that reconnect habitats along the waterfront. These enhancements create refuge for fish, migratory birds, pollinators, and diverse native plant communities, demonstrating how large-scale infrastructure can deliver both community protection and enduring ecological benefits.
Through the PLFP project, EllisDon has played a pivotal role in executing this ambitious vision, bringing together a diverse team of experts to ensure the successful realization of this transformative project. The integration of flood protection measures with ecological restoration exemplifies a holistic approach to urban resilience, setting a precedent for future infrastructure initiatives.
