March 24, 2025 — Work has begun on installation of two new pumps at the Mayfair Pumping Station in Coronation Park, building on the City’s current efforts to address the root causes of, and reduce, basement flooding in the area.
The approximately $1.1 million project includes installation of two new pumps, a new generator and building upgrades, that will increase in the station’s pumping capacity by 50 per cent. The work builds on ongoing efforts to address one of the primary causes of basement flooding in the area, inflow and infiltration of stormwater into the sanitary system from improperly connected sump pumps.
“We are taking a two-pronged approach, prioritizing reducing the amount of stormwater entering the sewer system through our inflow and infiltration reduction program, while at the same time building in enhanced capacity via upgrades to pumping stations, sewers and forcemains,” said David Jackson, General Manager of Engineering and Operations.
In 2024 the City deployed a staff member to work with homeowners to identify sources of inflow and infiltration on their properties — most notably sump pumps improperly connected to the sanitary sewer system — and assist them in correcting improper connections. To date roughly 500 of 1,300 homes in the Coronation Park area have been inspected, with 82 improper connections identified, 40 of which have been rectified. The City supports homeowners with the cost of correcting improper connections through its Basement Flooding Grant Program.
Pumping station upgrades are expected to be completed by late spring or early summer, ahead of further 2025 flood mitigation work. That $3.5 million project will see one kilometre of forcemain replaced under Germain Park to capitalize on the pumping station’s enhanced capacity, in addition to new, expanded storm and sanitary sewer for Mayfair Drive from Tweedsmuir to Minto; Minto Street from Mayfair to Germain; and Germain Street from Minto to Indian. The work will also include new road surface, watermain, sidewalk and curbs for these areas.