Black Creek Renewal - Design Build

Black Creek Environmental Assessment image of the Vaughan Metropolitan Centre Area

In 2012, the City of Vaughan completed the Black Creek Storm Water Optimization Study Master Plan Class Environmental Assessment (EA). The study identified a range of alternative solutions to reduce flooding and flood damage, improve water quality and limit stream bank erosion in Black Creek. Also in 2012, the City initiated the Black Creek Renewal Municipal Class Environmental Assessment Study. The Black Creek Renewal EA study, completed in 2018, determined the best way to address flooding in this area is through reconstruction and renewal of Black Creek between Edgeley Pond (north of Highway 7) and Highway 407.

 

Now that the EA study is complete, the City has progressed to the design and construction phase of the Black Creek Renewal Project. Given the complexity of this project, design and construction activities have been separated into three components:

  • Construction of Edgeley Pond and Park.
  • Replacement of the culvert under Highway 7 at Jane Street.
  • Renewal of the Black Creek channel between Highway 7 and Highway 407.

 

The below image highlights the location of each construction activity.

Black Creek Environmental Assessment image highlighting each location involved in construction activity. Construction of Edgeley Pond and Park, replacement of the culvert under Highway 7 at Jane Street and renewal of the Black Creek channel between Highway 7 and Highway 407.

 

BACKGROUND

In Aug. 2005, a flooding event in the Black Creek sub-watershed illustrated the need for significant infrastructure improvements to reduce future flooding, improve transportation and accommodate future development and redevelopment in the downtown Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC).

 

In 2012, the Black Creek Stormwater Optimization Study Master Plan Class Environmental Assessment (EA) determined that the section of the Black Creek channel corridor between Highway 7 and Highway 407, was susceptible to flooding during moderate rainfall events.

The VMC Black Creek Renewal Municipal Class EA – initiated in 2012 – evaluated potential channel alignments and physical improvements for the Black Creek between Highway 7 and Highway 407. The goal of the EA was to identify a solution that would mitigate the current flooding and erosion problems in Black Creek, and potentially enhance the natural heritage system and public realm associated with the Black Creek channel corridor.

Now that the EA study is complete, the City has progressed to the design and construction phase of the Black Creek Renewal Project. Given the complexity of this project, design and construction activities have been separated into three components:

  • Renewal of the Black Creek channel between Highway 7 and Highway 407.
  • Construction of Edgeley Pond and Park.
  • Replacement of the culvert under Highway 7 at Jane Street.


Previous public engagement activities

A public meeting was held May 2017 to inform the public of the EA study and provide the opportunity to submit feedback. View the materials presented (PDF) during this informational session. To learn more about the study’s findings, review the final VMC Black Creek Renewal EA report.

 

For more information about the EA study, please contact vmcprogram@vaughan.ca.  

 

Timeline

  • August 19, 2005 | Flood on Jane Street and Highway 7
  • 2009 to 2012 | Black Creek Storm Water Optimization Study Master Plan
  • 2012 to 2018 | Black Creek Renewal Municipal Class Environmental Assessment
  • 2020 to 2021 | Procure Design-Build Technical Advisor, re-validate EA options
  • 2022 | Design-Build Preliminary Design

 

Council reports

View past Council reports about the VMC Black Creek Renewal EA:

 

Comments or questions

Should you have any questions or comments or wish to be added to the study mailing list, please contact the project team at blackcreek@vaughan.ca.

 

FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS

What was the purpose of the Black Creek Renewal Environmental Assessment (EA)?

The purpose of the EA was to develop and evaluate potential channel alignments and physical improvements to reduce future flooding, improve transportation and accommodate future development and redevelopment in the downtown Vaughan Metropolitan Centre (VMC).

 

What did this EA include?
The VMC Black Creek Renewal Municipal Class EA study report provides:

  • background information.
  • an overview of the consultation process.
  • a description of existing conditions.
  • alternative solutions and design concepts.
  • a description of the proposed channel design.
  • a summary of anticipated impacts and suggested mitigation measures to implement before, during and after construction.

 

What are the benefits of rebuilding this drainage channel?

Benefits of constructing this channel include:

 

  • reduced flooding.
  • improved water quality.
  • limited stream bank erosion in Black Creek within Vaughan.

 

How can I be notified of project updates and upcoming opportunities?

To remain informed of project updates and upcoming engagement opportunities, send an email to the project team at BlackCreek@vaughan.ca.

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