Wipes, grease and other household items put down drains can contribute to preventable sewer clogs, increased flooding risks and costly repairs for Toronto homeowners and the City, according to a City of Toronto media advisory.
The City is highlighting those risks through a media tour of Strachan Pumping Station, offering a look inside wastewater infrastructure that is not typically open to the public.
The tour is scheduled for Thursday, October 8, at 9:30 a.m. Eastern time at 1 Strachan Ave. The advisory was issued October 7, 2026.
William Shea, the City's director of distribution and collection, is scheduled to explain what happens when those materials enter the wastewater system and how preventable blockages contribute to sewer backups.
The City's warning connects household drain use with consequences for both private properties and municipal infrastructure. It identifies flooding risks and repair costs as concerns for homeowners as well as the City.
The visit is intended for media, rather than being announced as a public open house. The advisory says the facility is not usually accessible to the public and requires closed-toed shoes and long pants for those attending.
