The Toronto and Regional Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the City of Toronto are developing a plan to address the erosion hazards and improve ravine access and creek trails in the Vale of Avoca, including pedestrian bridges and staircases. Increased flooding in Yellow Creek has resulted in greater slope instability and the loss or deterioration of some trails as the creek banks erode back.
This project builds on years of discussion between City officials and the local community, acting through the Midtown Ravines Group (MRG). Last year’s publication of the Geomorphic Systems Study of Yellow Creek provides an important prerequisite that enables detailed designs for channel stabilization work, as well as a ravine trail and access that will benefit from improved stability and safety. The launch of the project came about through the engagement of Councillors Saxe and Matlow, as well as Mayor Chow, working with representatives of different City departments responsible for different aspects of the ravine setting and its infrastructure.
The TRCA will work with consultants to develop a master plan that encompasses the work of the various City departments involved so that the work is both cohesive and managed effectively to minimize costs and disruption to public use. The MRG is actively involved in the City and TRCA project working group, and continues to provide community-based input into the project. MRG will also work to keep local residents and other stakeholders up to date on the project and its continuing progress.
For more information and to follow project developments reported by the TRCA, see:
TRCA Website for the Vale of Avoca Improvement Project
The initial phase of this project will be the development of the Master Plan for the overall ravine. In the meantime, preliminary work is expected to commence in two areas of the Vale: the slope and stairway on the west side of the ravine below Heath Crescent, and the access route down from St Clair Ave E on the west side of the ravine. With its role on the City’s Avoca Working Group, the MRG looks forward to ongoing active engagement with local residents on the future of the Vale of Avoca.