Background
The Knightsbridge community, located within Brampton’s Bramalea Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP) area, is part of an exciting project to better manage stormwater. Today, rainwater flows along roads into storm drains and underground pipes and is discharged into local waterways such as Spring Creek and Etobicoke Creek without treatment. This can contribute to water quality issues and increased runoff during storms. The City’s draft Climate Risk Assessment also identifies stormwater-related risks, including localized flooding and water quality concerns. These risks highlight the need to better manage rainwater within communities like Knightsbridge.
To address this, the City is exploring opportunities to add green stormwater features, also known as Low Impact Development (LID), within existing road space. These features such as rain gardens, permeable pavement, and street trees help soak up, filter, and slow down rainwater where it falls.
The Knightsbridge community is located within the Bramalea Sustainable Neighbourhood Action Plan (SNAP) area, led in partnership with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA). SNAP focuses on improving older neighbourhoods through environmental, social, and infrastructure initiatives. The area has been identified as a priority due to factors such as limited tree canopy, large paved surfaces, and increased vulnerability to climate change impacts like heat and stormwater runoff.
Project Overview
This project will assess how green stormwater features can be integrated into streets along Kensington Road, Kings Cross Road, and Knightsbridge Road.
As part of the coordinated Active Transportation project, changes to the road layout are also being explored. In the short term, this may include updated road markings to adjust lane widths and help calm traffic. In the longer term, changes to curbs may be considered to create space for green stormwater features, as well as improvements for walking and cycling.
The project will also align with the City’s
Complete Streets Guide, which supports designing roads that are safer and more accessible for all users, including people walking, cycling, and driving.
Examples of stormwater features being considered include:
- Rain gardens (bioretention areas)
- Permeable pavement
- Tree trenches
These features help improve water quality by filtering runoff before it enters the storm sewer system.
The current phase of the project is a Low Impact Development (LID) Feasibility Study, which will:
- Assess local site conditions
- Gather input from the community
- Feasibility study report and conceptual design
