Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) undertook bank stabilization work along the north bank of Highland Creek within Morningside Park, east of Morningside Avenue.
This work included closure of a failing asphalt trail as well as installation of an armourstone retaining wall and vegetated rock buttress to protect public safety and parkland from the risk of erosion. Asphalt repaving for the trail and parking lot utilized as part of this project was also completed.
Project Location
The project is located east of Morningside Avenue within Morningside Park, in the City of Toronto. The work area is south of the University of Toronto Scarborough Campus along the paved asphalt trail that runs next to Highland Creek. This trail maintains an important Pan Am Trail connection.
Learn More About the Project
Project Background
TRCA prioritized this project due to Highland Creek eroding the north river bank beside the asphalt trail. Ongoing bank erosion resulted in failure of the trail and an increased risk to the newly constructed trail boardwalk.
Without any protection measures in place, Highland Creek would have continued to erode the river bank and further damaged the trail and surrounding parkland. The design will provide long-term bank stability and protect the newly constructed trail boardwalk.
Scope of Work
- Start Date: October 2021
- Completion Date: December 2022
The scope of work for this project included the following:
- Armourstone retaining wall (250 metres) along the north river bank to prevent future erosion of the river bank
- Vegetated rock buttress to provide further protection and vegetation
- Repair of the existing asphalt trail leading to and from the newly constructed boardwalk as well as the parking lot
Construction Information
Bank stabilization work began in Autumn 2021 and lasted until Autumn 2022. Final restoration/plantings occurred in Autumn 2022. Asphalt repaving for the trail and parking lot utilized as part of this project was completed in Winter 2022/2023. The Trail/parking lot is currently reopen for public use.
Public Notices
Notice of Construction:
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) undertook bank stabilization work along the north bank of Highland Creek, within Morningside Park, east of Morningside Avenue.
The work included decommissioning the failing asphalt trail as well as the installation of an armourstone retaining wall and vegetated rock buttress to protect public safety and parkland from the risk of erosion.
The project is located approximately 500 metres east of the Morningside Park Parking Lot. For your safety, please respect all posted construction signage and say clear of the work area and equipment.
Construction Work Hours: Monday-Friday, 7:00am to 5:00pm
CLOSURE: The trail leading from the Morningside Park Parking Lot as well as the parking lot itself was closed to pedestrian access to protect public safety during construction activities. Both the trail and the parking lot have now been reopened.
Construction Hazards: There may be temporary construction related dust/noise during work hours
Restoration: Post-construction restoration (tree and shrub planting) occurred in Autumn 2022
Trail Detour: A map of trail detour routes bypassing the closure can seen by clicking the following link: Proposed Trail Detour Route Map
We thank you for your continued cooperation and patience throughout the duration of this project.
Project Updates
- Autumn 2022/Winter 2022/2023: In-water works and restoration has concluded. Asphalt repaving for the trail and parking utilized as part of this project have also been completed
- Spring/Summer 2022: In-water works within Highland Creek is continuing; project expected to be complete in Autumn 2022
- Winter 2022: In-water works within Highland Creek is continuing; construction of the armourstone wall has commenced.
- Winter 2021/2022: Construction was temporarily halted from December 24th, 2021 to January 9th, 2022. Trail closures remain in effect
- Fall 2021: Construction has begun at the project site. Trail closures will be in effect until project completion
- Summer 2021: Project team is in the process of obtaining final permits and approvals
Contact Us
For more information about this project, please contact:
Divya Sasi, Project Manager
Erosion Risk Management
Restoration & Infrastructure
divya.sasi@trca.ca
(647) 426-4497