TRACK 2, DAY 2
Rapid Response for Resilience: Rebuilding Stormwater Infrastructure and Ecological Integrity at Burke Brook
Thursday, March 27, 2025 | 10:00 a.m. to 10:30 a.m. | Hall F
ABSTRACT
A major erosion scar caused by a failed stormwater sewer along Burke Brook, a Don River tributary in Toronto, was monitored by the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) for several years. Progressive slope instability and infrastructure deterioration led TRCA to declare emergency works in early 2024 to restore public safety and prevent further damage.
The project’s scope included reconstructing the stormwater sewer outfall and stabilizing a 28-meter-high, 25-meter-wide slope, enabling both infrastructure restoration and ecological renewal within the ravine.
A multidisciplinary team collaborated to integrate the steep geogrid-reinforced slope, an armour stone headwall and scour pad, vegetated rock buttresses, and native plantings to support ecological resilience. Fish rescues and minimized in-stream work preserved local aquatic habitats. The project was completed at the end of September 2024.
This presentation discusses the design and construction challenges, including limiting disruption to the Holland Bloorview Kids Rehabilitation Hospital, accessing the work site, reducing safety risks during construction, and minimizing floodplain encroachment.
This project exemplifies a rapid-response approach to urban watershed management, balancing public safety, environmental integrity, and infrastructure longevity in a complex urban landscape.
ABOUT THE PRESENTERS
Anna Paris, Maccaferri Canada Ltd.
Anna Paris is a Business Development Manager with Maccaferri North America. She has 15+ years of experience in national and international projects concerning flood protection, drainage, erosion control, stream restoration and slope stabilization, from design to construction.
She obtained her MSc in Environmental Engineering (Water Resources and Land Protection) at the University of Trento (Italy) and was a visiting scientist at CSU in Fort Collins, CO (USA) working on sediment transport and river hydraulics projects.
Nicholas Bellissimo, Accardi Schaeffers Consulting
With nearly 12 years of experience in civil engineering and construction, Nicholas Bellissimo specializes in municipal infrastructure and roadway rehabilitation.
He began his career in his family’s sewer and watermain construction business, gaining hands-on expertise before earning his engineering degree from Ryerson University.
Since joining Accardi Engineering Group in 2013, he has advanced to Senior Project Engineer, leading complex municipal infrastructure projects for clients while overseeing teams and managing design, project management, and contract administration.