"From Streets to Streams" Catchbasin Art Project 2023
What is Stormwater?
Stormwater is the rain and melted snow flowing from our properties onto our streets, into the City’s stormwater drainage system and ultimately into the environment.
Stormwater picks up pollutants such as pet waste, fertilizer, pesticides, oil/automotive fluids, and litter as it flows across the ground and into catchbasins. Catchbasins carries this polluted stormwater into the environment. The connection from our streets to the environment isn't easily recognized because the stormwater drainage system is mostly underground and out of sight.
Many residents, businesses and visitors in Brampton are not aware that pollution from older neighbourhoods flows directly into the environment, including Lake Ontario, our source of drinking water. Stormwater in newer developed areas flows into stormwater ponds.
Stormwater ponds temporarily store and slowly release stormwater runoff over time to prevent flooding and erosion. Stormwater ponds effectively capture solid pollutants and sediment by allowing them to settle to the bottom of the pond, but they are not designed to capture soaps, oils, and fertilizers that are dissolved in stormwater. Those pollutants will still end up in local creeks and rivers, affecting species populations and habitats.
We can all do our part to protect species that rely on health watersheds.
Catchbasin Art Project
The connection from our streets to the environment is invisible to many because the stormwater drainage system is mostly underground and out of sight.
"From Streets to Streams" - Catchbasin Art Project seeks to raise awareness of this underground stormwater system by drawing attention to its starting point – catchbasins – through art murals.
Local Brampton artists have painted murals around catchbasins to raise awareness of the drainage connection from our streets to the environment, and to inspire pollution prevention to protect local waterways. The project is also engaging schools in the Peel District School Board and Dufferin-Peel Catholic District School Board to paint catchbasins on school property.
Hear from Lyndsay Cartwright, Senior Research Analyst with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) speaking about the effects of stormwater pollution on local creeks and rivers and how we can play a part in protecting aquatic health.
Meet the Artists
Sima Naseem
Website: www.artbysima.portfoliobox.net
Instagram: @artbysima.n
Artist Statement:
For the “From Streets to Streams” Catchbasin Art Project, my artwork draws inspiration from the wildlife that inhabit Brampton’s lakes, ponds and watersheds. Pollutants from streets that flow down catchbasins lead to the homes of these vulnerable creatures. By showcasing these animals living in their natural environment, my goal is to ignite a sense of empathy within the community. Through this connection, I hope to raise awareness about the significance of protecting our local aquatic ecosystems!
Sabbie Narwal
Website: www.thepapernarwhal.com
Instagram: @thepapernarwhal
Artist Statement:
Stormwater stewardship is essential in protecting Brampton’s environment and our overall quality of life, —as we depend on healthy waterways and ecosystems. However, there is a disconnect of understanding between what washes down the streets, flow into drains, and ultimately end up into our waterways. This artwork aims to bridge that gap by educating and inspiring our community to take responsibility and prevent pollutants from entering the environment.
Malachi Watson-Narcisse
Website: www.mistermali.com
Instagram: @MisterMali
Artist Statement:
I’m a Brampton-based artist/creative. My art highlights a diverse range of subjects with the hope of fostering a sense of community and connection.
Meet the Schools
Aylesbury Public School
Our Lady of Lourdes
Students at Our Lady of Lourdes painted two catchbasins on school property
St. John Bosco
Students at St.John Bosco painted one catchbasin on school property, two runner up designs that placed second and third place.
Pollution Prevention at Home
Pollution Prevention at the Workplace
We can all play a part in preventing pollution to the environment.