The City of Toronto stands by Rockcliffe Flood Mitigation Projects model criticized by residents

The City of Toronto is standing by its decision to create a new Jane Street Bridge and widen the Black Creek channel as part of the Rockcliffe Flood Mitigation Projects construction, despite local backlash.

After Rockcliffe-Smythe residents repeatedly emailed the City since the project was announced in August 2024 over concerns about the bridge construction and hydraulic modelling used in the environmental assessment (EA) by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), one resident received a response on Sept. 10, 2026.

“The City of Toronto stands behind the engineering analysis and design for the bridge improvements at Jane Street and Scarlett Road. Widening the Black Creek channel under the bridges remains a critical first step in the flood protection program,” Jennifer Harkness Graham, chief engineer and executive director, engineering and construction services, told The Green Line in an email on Sept. 18.

Resident complaints that the project has calculation errors are “incorrect,” Harkness Graham added.

Tim Mereu, a water resources engineer who reviewed the project’s EA study, presented his analysis to the TRCA multiple times. Mereu, who lodged his first complaint in December 2024, told The Green Line that “building the bridge downstream will not solve any flooding problem.”

Based on resident communications reviewed by The Green Line, many residents support Mereu’s findings that the City is creating an unnecessarily large concrete channel for Jane Street Bridge, and that the real solution involves building further upstream of Hilldale, up to Weston. 

“[The City’s response] leaves you with the feeling: Are they actually going to correct the mistake or are they going to try to run this through?” he said.

Mereu’s main qualm is that construction will proceed before residents feel the project’s solution will work.

Harkness Graham says the City is focused on final preparations, such as permits, utility relocations and construction planning, in September. 

“Residents can expect to see fencing installed around the project area, and there will be no lane restrictions or park closures until construction begins. Advance notice will be provided for lane closures and other impacts,” she said in an email.

While the City proceeds with the project, residents are applying pressure through community demonstrations such as a block party and by emailing Ward 5 Councillor Frances Nunziata, Mayor Olivia Chow and City staff for answers. They also shared their concerns with the City at a public meeting in July 2025 and at later City-led information pop-ups.

As of Sept. 22, more than 5,000 people have signed a petition by Friends of Smythe Park that calls on the City to halt the Rockcliffe Riverine Flood Mitigation Project “pending a workable and environmentally responsible plan.”