Abstract Manager

Urban roadway corridors are increasingly recognized not only as transportation facilities but also as critical components of municipal stormwater systems and public realm design. Conventional drainage approaches—based on rapid collection and conveyance—can exacerbate downstream flooding, degrade receiving water quality, and miss opportunities to enhance streetscape function and character. Integrating Low Impact Development (LID) features with streetscaping offers a multifunctional strategy that manages stormwater at its source while improving urban livability and resilience.

In the City of Brampton’s municipal roadway projects, LID measures were selected instead of traditional stormwater management (SWM) facilities (e.g., wet ponds, wetlands, storage tanks) to address both quantity and quality control requirements within limited construction space. Linear retention/detention solutions within the City’s construction limits were incorporated into the SWM strategy, supported by hydrodynamic modeling. LID features were integrated with landscaping and streetscape elements to satisfy SWM objectives and urban design goals, while ensuring that downstream receivers are not adversely impacted and the conservation authority requirements are met.

Roadway-compatible LID practices including bioretention curb extensions, vegetated swales, infiltration trenches, and linear tree trenches are evaluated for their capacity to reduce runoff volume, attenuate peak flows, and improve water quality. The study highlights implementation challenges such as cross-departmental coordination, maintenance responsibilities, and winter performance, and provides practical recommendations for design, construction, and operations. The findings support LID streetscape integration as best practice for sustainable stormwater management in municipal roadway projects.