Building a flooding protection zone near the lower Don River is a top priority for Waterfront Toronto as it seeks nearly $1 billion in government funding for the project.

The agency, which is overseeing redevelopment efforts on the lakefront, says flood protection at the mouth of the river is critical to any development projects in the Port Lands, and would benefit the low-lying neighbourhoods of Leslieville and South Riverdale.

“Every dollar invested in flood protection saves the government $5,” said Waterfront Toronto CEO John Campbell during a speech at the Toronto Region Board of Trade on Monday.

Campbell cited last year’s devastating floods in Calgary as well as recent Toronto storms that should prompt governments to heed warning calls.

In Toronto, when sudden heavy rain storms hit, both the Don Valley Parkway and the Bayview extension regularly flood, because water collects in the area.

A July 2013 sudden downpour forced drivers to abandon cars, prompted a rescue of GO Train passengers with boats, and many homeowners were left with flooded basements.

“I think the public has become more attuned to climate change,” Campbell said in an interview later. “Flood risk isn’t ‘if,’ but rather ‘when’ now.”

Discussions are taking place with all three levels of governments for each to contribute one-third of the cost, he said. City staff are supportive, Campbell said, adding that some of the city’s funding would likely come from development charges resulting from new projects in the area.

However, without the flood protection work, development in the Port Lands zone, south of Lake Shore Blvd., cannot begin. Similarly, a planned development proposal at the old Unilever site near the Don Roadway is also contingent on flood zone work.

A provincial environment assessment has been completed, with a final decision expected later this year. If the money were committed next year, shovels could be in the ground by 2016, on what is expected to be a seven-year project.

While Waterfront Toronto has come under fire for its spending, including $12,000 for pink umbrellas at Sugar Beach, Campbell dismissed any concerns.

“That’s just noise. People will take things out of context for political gain,” Campbell said. “That’s fine. That’s the nature of politics.”

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He argued that city council has operated well despite challenges at the leadership level, making a veiled reference to Mayor Rob Ford (open Rob Ford's policard)’s tumultuous term.

“I think to date council has been very supportive of what we’re doing. They see the long-term game plan here. It’s not just about building pretty parks,” he said. “It’s about how, as a city, do we think about the next century?”

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