Urban flooding is a growing and complex challenge for communities across Ontario. In response, Green Communities Canada developed the report Urban Flooding in Ontario: Toward Collective Impact Solutions through the award-winning RAIN Community Solutions program and the Collective Impact project. The report lays the foundation for a collaborative, practical approach to flood resilience in the province.

It introduces a proposed definition for urban flooding, explores its key drivers and impacts, and highlights current responses across Ontario. It also identifies preliminary actions that can guide future collective efforts.

Building on this work, Green Communities Canada created a complementary resource: Ready Set Rain! Urban Flood Resilience in Ontario. This action-oriented guide maps out concrete visions, strategies, and indicators to help Ontario communities prepare for and respond to urban flooding on the ground. Check it out here: Ready Set Rain! Urban Flood Resilience in Ontario.

This work was made possible with support from the Ontario Trillium Foundation.

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.