Ontario Construction News staff writer
The City of Toronto, Government of Canada and Province of Ontario partnership to expand a ravine strategy with funds for capital projects.
Funding will allow construction and enhancement of multi-use trails and operating funds to support tree planting and restoration of the urban forest.
“Toronto’s expansive ravines filter and convey stormwater and are part of larger watershed systems. Ravines support a resilient city. They also inspire our imagination and capture the wonder of the city,” said Councillor Jennifer McKelvie.
Since 2020, the Government of Canada has provided $18.2 million towards the Ravine Strategy and the city has contributed $39.8 million.
Key projects include:
- Constructing a new trail connection from the Meadoway to Highland Creek Trail, creating a vibrant expanse of urban greenspace and meadowlands
- Improving existing trails through Taylor Creek Park, Rowntree Mills Park, Centennial Park and the Scarborough Waterfront, including trail reconstruction and rehabilitation of pathway systems
- The design and construction of the East Don Trail Phase 2b (Loop) and Phase 3, once completed, will create a trail connection from Lawrence Avenue East – to Lake Ontario
- Installing new trail wayfinding signage in ravines at the East Don Trail, Upper Highland Trail, Meadoway, Upper Black Creek and Loop Trail, improving accessibility for ravine users
- Enhancing existing entry points at three ravines across the city, including Edwards Gardens, to improve community access to green spaces
- Protecting and restoring the trail at Highland Creek from erosion
- Improving natural infrastructure in Priority Investment Areas by restoring wetlands at Cudmore Creek, Chester Springs, Upper Black Creek, Rowntree Mills, Morningside Park and Sunnybrook Park
- A design to address the Mid-Humber gap that will create a safe, continuous, multi-use trail system both along the Humber River Trail and the future Loop Trail
Toronto’s ravine system stretches than 300 kilometres and contributes about $822 million in ecological and recreational services annually.
In 2020, council outlined key actions and recommendations to protect, enhance and celebrate the city’s ravine system over the next 10 years.
“Toronto’s ravines are a treasure as well as a fragile resource. Shaping their future requires collaboration and investment from all levels of government. We are all committed to cleaning up and protecting the city’s more than 300-km ravine system for the benefit of future generations,” said deputy mayor Michael Thompson.