Toronto Streets That Help With Rain
Key Vocabulary
| Word / Phrase | Meaning | Example |
|---|---|---|
| rainwater | water that comes from rain | The plants can catch rainwater. |
| street | a road in a town or city | The street has trees beside the road. |
| plant | a living thing such as a flower, grass or tree | Each plant can grow in the wet soil. |
| storm | a time with strong or heavy weather | A big storm can bring a lot of water. |
| sewer | a pipe or system that carries dirty or rain water away | Less rain may go into the sewer. |
Article
When rain falls on a normal city street, the water often goes into a sewer. Toronto is also making some streets where plants and soil help with rainwater. The city calls these Green Streets. [1]
A Green Street can have trees, plants or special ground. These parts catch some rainwater before it reaches a sewer. The soil can also help clean the water. [1]
One useful design is a bioswale. A bioswale is a low area with soil and plants. Water can move into it after a storm. [2][3]
The plants do more than look nice. They can slow water, and their roots grow in wet soil. Some Green Street projects also give trees more space to grow. [1][2]
Toronto says these designs can help when a storm brings a lot of water. They can also keep some dirty street water from going straight into local rivers and streams. [1]
The city has built Green Street projects in different places. It is also planning more bioswales on some streets in Scarborough, with construction expected in 2026. [2][3]
A street usually helps people and cars move. In this design, the street has another job too: it helps the city manage rain.
Discussion Questions
- What happens to rainwater on your street?
- What plants grow well in heavy rain where you live?
- What problems can a big storm cause in your city?
- Where could your community add more trees or plants?
- What other jobs can a city street do besides help people travel?
References
- City of Toronto, "Green Streets."
- City of Toronto, "Green Streets Projects."
- City of Toronto, "Green Infrastructure Installation."