'Extreme rainfall' could add billions in costs to Ontario's water infrastructure upkeep: FAO
Ontario's Financial Accountability Officer estimates more frequent extreme rain will add $6.2 billion to the cost of maintaining waste and stormwater infrastructure by 2030.
In a report unveiled Tuesday, the FAO anticipates proactively making pipes, mains, and culverts more climate change-resistant would cost $71 billion by 2100 if greenhouse gas emissions don't dramatically increase.
- Download our app to get local alerts on your device
- Get the latest local updates right to your inbox
That figure climbs to $88 billion if no adaptions are made, and $89 billion if the changes are reactive.
In a higher-emission scenario with only reactive changes made, maintenance costs could hit $148 billion.
But Peter Weltman explains those numbers don't capture all the risks.
"When you don't adapt your infrastructure, then you leave it vulnerable to overland flooding as a result of the infrastructure not being able to get the water out of there."
Pedestrians with umbrellas make their way through a passage during heavy rains in Toronto on Saturday December 12, 2020. THE CANADIAN PRESS/Frank Gunn
The FAO did not dig into the potential damage caused to homes and businesses in the event of flooding that might be prevented by more climate-resistant infrastructure.
Storm and wastewater systems are owned by Ontario municipalities, but cities and towns are limited in the ways they generate revenue to cover big changes.
A spokesperson for Ontario's Minister of the Environment, Conservation and Parks says the government is committed to working with partners to keep waste and stormwater systems resilient and ready for the challenges ahead.
In an email, Daniel Stauss highlighted a $25-million investment to proactively build, upgrade and rehabilitate infrastructure.
The government is also developing a manual to provide guidance to municipalities, developers, and property owners on how to protect the environment, reduce and prepare for flood risk.
For Ontario Green Party leader Mike Schreiner, the FAO report emphasizes the need to have a credible plan to reduce climate pollution and to protect wetlands, and the Greenbelt.
Schreiner calls the extra spending needed for water infrastructure a result of the Premier's inaction on the climate file.
In other reports, the FAO estimated climate-related costs tied to transportation infrastructure and public buildings would total a combined $20 billion by 2030.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
'A step forward': New screening criteria for sperm donors takes effect
Canadians looking to grow their families with the assistance of sperm or egg donations should soon have more options for donors as the federal health agency does away with longstanding restrictions criticized as discriminatory.
Ontario Provincial Police arrest 64 suspects in child sexual exploitation investigation
Ontario Provincial Police say 64 suspects are facing a combined 348 charges in connection with a series of child sexual exploitation investigations that spanned the province.
U.S. presidential candidate RFK Jr. had a brain worm, has recovered, campaign says
Independent U.S. presidential candidate Robert F. Kennedy Jr. had a parasite in his head more than a decade ago, but has fully recovered, his campaign said, after the New York Times reported about the ailment.
Police handcuff man trying to enter Drake's Toronto mansion
Toronto police say a man was taken into custody outside Drake's Bridle Path mansion Wednesday afternoon after he tried to gain access to the residence.
What is whooping cough and should Canadians be concerned as Europe declares outbreak?
There is currently a whooping cough epidemic in Europe, with 10 times as many cases compared to the previous two years. While an outbreak has not been declared nationwide in Canada, whooping cough is regularly detected in the country.
Pfizer agrees to settle more than 10K lawsuits over Zantac cancer risk: Bloomberg News
Pfizer has agreed to settle more than 10,000 lawsuits about cancer risks related to the now discontinued heartburn drug Zantac, Bloomberg News reported on Wednesday, citing people familiar with the deal.
Steve Albini, legendary producer for Nirvana, the Pixies and an alternative rock pioneer, dies at 61
Steve Albini, an alternative rock pioneer and legendary producer who shaped the musical landscape through his work with Nirvana, the Pixies, PJ Harvey and more, has died. He was 61.
Case against ex-Mountie charged with helping China can go ahead in Quebec, judge says
A Quebec court judge has ruled that the case against a former RCMP officer charged with helping China conduct foreign interference can go ahead in the province.
Ippei Mizuhara, ex-interpreter for baseball star Shohei Ohtani, will plead guilty in betting case
The former interpreter for Los Angeles Dodgers star Shohei Ohtani has agreed to plead guilty to bank and tax fraud in a sports betting case in which prosecutors allege he stole nearly US$17 million from the Japanese baseball player to pay off debts, federal prosecutors said Wednesday.