Thumbs Up for Mississauga’s Green Approach to Stormwater Management

This evening, the City of Mississauga received a Sustainable Communities Award from the Federation of Canadian Municipalities (FCM) for its green approach to stormwater management.

“The Elm Drive retrofit is a first of its kind in Ontario,” said Martin Powell, Commissioner, Transportation and Works.  “The project gave us an excellent opportunity to lead change in our community.  It’s a great example of partnership and commitment to environmental sustainability.”

The Elm Drive project was completed in partnership with Credit Valley Conservation and the Peel District School Board.  Each partner was responsible for specific aspects:

• City of Mississauga: design, construction and long term maintenance
• Credit Valley Conservation: inspections, ongoing monitoring and technical support
• Peel District School Board: agreement for the use of school board property and project collaboration

“We used low impact development practices to complete the retrofit,” explained Steve Barrett, Manager, Transportation Asset Management.  “That means, it soaks up stormwater runoff from the road and filters it as it passes through specially designed paving stones, soil and plants. This improves the quality of the water and reduces the amount that enters storm sewers and the creek.”

The FCM’s Sustainability Awards recognize innovation and excellence in municipal sustainable development.  They are presented in six categories: brownfields, energy, neighbourhood development, transportation, waste and water.  Mississauga received its award in the water category which recognizes projects that focus on the consumption, quality, treatment and distribution of water.