Urban flooding is impacting Ontario’s economy, environment, and the health and wellbeing of its citizens. Each year more communities, residents, and businesses are affected. Beyond those who have already experienced flooding, millions of people are at high risk.

The Ready Set Rain! Strategy was developed by Green Communities Canada’s award-winning RAIN Community Solutions legacy program, with input from stakeholders from across the province. This action strategy is intended to provide guidance to Ontario communities looking to increase urban flood resilience. It maps out concrete visions, strategies, and indicators for flood-resilient Ontario communities, across four key areas:

• Prioritize the most vulnerable neighbourhoods, by mapping risk and communicating with the public.
• Help the public to rainproof their properties and prepare for emergencies.
• Protect and restore natural areas and retrofit with green infrastructure.
• Improve infrastructure to protect all properties from large storms.

This work follows the Ontario Urban Flooding Collaborative’s 2017 discussion paper, Urban Flooding in Ontario: Towards Collective Impact Solutions. Thanks to the Ontario Trillium Foundation for supporting this project.

Want to Learn More About Our Green Infrastructure Initiatives?

These resources were developed as part of our award-winning RAIN Community Solutions program, a collaborative initiative led by Green Communities Canada and our member organizations from 2010 to 2021/2022. The program aimed to advance green stormwater infrastructure (also known as low impact development), restore the urban water cycle, and reduce runoff pollution. RAIN received national recognition, including the 2015 Minister’s Award for Environmental Excellence and the 2014 Council of the Federation Excellence in Water Stewardship Award. 

Now a legacy program, RAIN has been integrated into our broader green infrastructure work through Living Cities Canada, where our commitment to advancing sustainable, community-led stormwater solutions continues. Visit our Green Infrastructure webpage to learn more.