City of Markham Receives $4.8 Million from Provincial Government to Support Housing Growth and to Prevent Flooding

The City of Markham receives $4.8 million from the Province of Ontario through the Housing - Enabling Water System Fund to upgrade its Enterprise Stormwater Pumping Station to help prevent flooding and support new housing development in Markham Centre.

“It’s the infrastructure we don’t see that sometimes is the most critical,” said Mayor Frank Scarpitti. “This grant is a big help in upgrading the Enterprise Stormwater Pumping Station. We are able to replace aging infrastructure and replace it with equipment that has greater capacity. This will support more new homes and enhance flood protection as the community grows.”

The extensive project will include replacing three failed pumps, upgrading key components to the stormwater system, and extending the forcemain to a new outfall at the Rouge River. These improvements will help prevent flooding at the GO Train underpass and reduce traffic disruptions caused by water buildup during storms in previous years.

“In the face of economic uncertainty, our government is investing in the future for the people of Ontario by doubling down on our plan to build,” said Kinga Surma, Minister of Infrastructure. “With our additional investments in the Municipal Housing Infrastructure Program, we’re unlocking more housing and building critical infrastructure that will protect communities, keep workers on the job and lay the groundwork for a stronger economy.”

The pumping station, located at 500 Enterprise Blvd., can handle up to 35,000 cubic metres of water per day. This pumping station will play a key role in keeping the underpass corridor safe for people traveling through the area.

“Our government is committed to ensuring that Markham-Unionville is equipped with the infrastructure necessary to thrive and expand,” said Billy Pang, MPP for Markham-Unionville. “By taking initiative and investing into water infrastructure, we are creating new housing opportunities and more local jobs, laying the foundation for a more productive and prosperous community for the many generations ahead of us."

Recent flooding events in June, July, and August 2024 highlighted urgency for the very needed upgrades. Emergency repairs were made in August, but a long-term solution is well overdue to help protect homes, businesses, and public spaces.

One important aspect of this project is that it will support over 16,000 housing units in Markham Centre, including 2,552 units already under construction and expected to be completed by 2031. The upgrades will also help enable future developments currently in the planning stage.

The City of Markham is committed to building a safe, resilient, and thriving community for all residents.