The City of Brampton announced last week that it has officially kicked off construction on its Downtown Brampton Flood Protection Project – the first phase of its Riverwalk project.

The city says the project is a foundational catalyst for growth and revitalization and will be one of Brampton’s most transformative infrastructure projects, setting the stage for vibrant revitalization, environmental resilience and economic development.

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.

​​“The Riverwalk Flood Protection Project is a once-in-a-generation investment that will protect our community, unlock our downtown’s full potential and help drive new housing, jobs and economic growth,” said mayor Patrick Brown. “This project will safeguard Brampton from flooding and will welcome thousands of new residents and businesses into a vibrant reimagined downtown."

Downtown Brampton lies within the Etobicoke Creek floodplain, an area that is historically prone to flooding, and which has limited redevelopment in the city’s core as a result.

The Riverwalk Flood Protection Project will modernize and expand Brampton’s flood protection system, allowing it to withstand storm events equivalent to or greater than Hurricane Hazel (i.e., with rainfall amounts of up to approximately 285 millimetres over 48 hours).

Beyond flood protection, the project is expected to enable new development to accommodate approximately 17,700 new residents in the city’s downtown, enable the creation of 23,800 jobs, including 2,200 construction jobs during the building phase, and 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.

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.

Funding for the project is being shared by the federal and provincial governments, with further contributions from the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and the City of Brampton.