Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) undertook emergency works along a section of Yellow Creek for the protection of essential infrastructure and public safety. To improve channel stability and function, TRCA is planning to continue work and undertake channel maintenance and repairs.
Project Location
The project area is located within the Vale of Avoca Ravine (also referred to as the Yellow Creek ravine) and is generally located southeast of Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue East, in the City of Toronto. The area of concern is a section of Yellow Creek that runs directly below Summerhill Gardens south of David A. Balfour Park.
Learn More About the Project
Project Background
TRCA staff visited Yellow Creek in January 2019 to identify key areas of erosion concern along the watercourse. During this field work, staff found an erosion site at the toe of a steep slope below Summerhill Gardens.
An existing stone and mortar retaining wall next to the slope below Summerhill Gardens was also found to be exposed due to erosion.
Due to the undermining of this retaining wall, elevated flows during storm events were passing underneath and eroding the toe of slope below Summerhill Gardens. This erosion was impacting an existing pedestrian trail and created a public health and safety concern within the ravine. Should no action be taken, continued erosion may have caused future slope failures and threatened essential infrastructure located at the top of slope.
Due to the risks to public health and safety, as well as essential infrastructure, TRCA declared emergency works within Yellow Creek below Summerhill Gardens on July 31, 2019. TRCA completed these works in spring 2020. Progress updates showcasing the completed works can be viewed under Project Updates.
Shortly after construction, deficiencies in the new channel configuration were identified on site. As such, TRCA will be undertaking repairs to address these deficiencies to improve channel function and ensure long-term stability within the channel.
Scope of Work
The goal of this project was to decrease the risk of future slope failures within the project area. TRCA accomplished this through the removal of the exposed stone and mortar retaining wall, realigning the channel away from the western valley slope, and constructing new structures designed to stabilize the channel bed and banks.
In addition, TRCA restored a section of trail along the west bank that was damaged by channel erosion. A pedestrian bridge that was previously closed by the City of Toronto was also removed to improve public safety. Since this bridge has historical significance, TRCA was able to leave a set of pillars in their existing location and incorporate them into the east bank of the new channel construction.
Scope of Work
Throughout 2023, TRCA intends to:
- Complete detailed designs for the channel repair works
- Obtain all necessary permits, approvals, and agreements
- Begin construction of the project pending the completion of permits, approvals, agreements, and detailed designs
Construction Information
Emergency works construction started in summer 2019 and was completed in spring 2020.
A timeline for channel repair works is not yet determined. When repairs are scheduled, this section will be updated with relevant construction information.
Public Notices
Declaration of Emergency Works
TRCA declared emergency works on July 31, 2019. An emergency works declaration was distributed to Councillor Mike Layton (Ward 11) as well as to the City of Toronto, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), and local residents associations.
Notice of Construction
TRCA installed the following information sign at multiple locations throughout the Vale of Avoca Ravine. TRCA also delivered notices to project stakeholders and residences surrounding the project area to notify them of TRCA’s upcoming construction activities.
Trail Closures
To ensure public safety, TRCA had to close sections of the trail system within the Vale of Avoca Ravine while construction was underway. To alert trail users, TRCA installed trail closure signs throughout the ravine.
Project Updates
Channel Repairs
2022 Project Update:
- Retained a design engineer to develop detailed designs
- Commenced developing detailed designs of the channel repair works
Emergency Works
Update: September 6, 2019
Site perimeter fencing has been installed around the staging and stockpile area and along the trail to isolate the work area along the east side of the ravine. Erosion and sediment control measures have been also been installed throughout the site. The pedestrian trail located along the west bank near the work area will remain open until heavy machinery commence channel work.
Update: September 20, 2019
Mud mats have been installed throughout the project site for the protection of buried municipal infrastructure.
Update: October 11, 2019
Perimeter fencing has been installed at the bottom of the steps located at the Shaftesbury Ave trail entrance and the northwest limit of the project site to isolate the work area along the west side of the ravine and protect public safety from the hazards of construction activities.
Update: November 1, 2019
The impacted pedestrian trail located along the west bank has been restored; however, this trail is not yet open to the public due to continuing construction activities.
Update: November 15, 2019
TRCA staff have completed filling and regrading the toe of slope below the restored pedestrian trail to repair a large erosion scar.
Update: November 22, 2019
TRCA staff have substantially completed a segment of the new creek channel, including installation of erosion control measures to provide protection to the banks.
Update: November 29, 2019
TRCA staff have substantially completed work along the top of the west bank of the new creek channel.
Update: December 6, 2019
TRCA staff are proceeding with preparation activities to remove the undermined stone and mortar retaining wall and complete the upstream section of the new Yellow Creek channel design.
Update: December 14, 2019
This week construction staff removed the compromised stone and mortar retaining wall and completed constructing the upstream section of the channel.
Update: January 10, 2020
Construction staff have infilled a substantial amount of the the old creek channel to create the top of the east bank.
Update: January 17, 2020
Construction staff have begun constructing the downstream section of the channel.
Update: January 24, 2020
Construction staff have completed constructing the west bank of the downstream section of the new channel.
Update: February 21, 2020
All Yellow Creek channel works below Summerhill Gardens is complete. Construction staff have commenced undertaking site restoration activities.
Update: March 6, 2020
Construction staff continue to restore site, including restoring the east side trail located within the Project limits. Restoration work is anticipated to be completed by the end of March 2020 and all trails affected by closures will be re-opened at this time.
Update: March 27, 2020
Construction staff have completed restoration of the trail along the east bank. Trail access through the project site is now re-opened for public use.
Update: April 1, 2020
Pedestrians are currently being detoured around the staging and stockpile area as this area still requires restoration. This area will continue to be cordoned off until substantial restoration is achieved.
Update: April 17, 2020
The east side trail located at the south end of the Vale of Avoca ravine has been reopened for public use. The staging and stockpile area adjacent to this path is pending restoration. Public access into this area continues to be restricted.
Contact Us
For more information regarding this project, please contact Courtney Munro, Project Manager:
Courtney Munro, Project Manager
Erosion Risk Management
Restoration & Infrastructure
courtney.munro@trca.ca
(647) 426 4492