Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), in partnership with the City of Toronto, is undertaking major maintenance works on three existing shoreline erosion control structures along Lake Ontario within Ashbridges Bay Park in order to protect against the hazards of shoreline erosion and address public safety concerns.
Project Location
The Project Area is located within Ashbridges Bay Park, in the City of Toronto. The closest major intersection is Coxwell Avenue and Lake Shore Boulevard East. The area of concern includes three existing shoreline erosion control structures (two headlands and a beach), located at the eastern limit of the park, south of Woodbine Beach.
Learn More About the Project
Project Background
Ashbridges Bay Park is a unique artificial landform that was created as part of a lakefill project to expand lands east of Coatsworth Cut, following the development of the Ashbridges Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant.
After development, the park was opened to the public in 1977. Today, the park is used for its many amenities including an intricate trail system, marina, fishing boardwalks and picnic areas.
Erosion control structures along the shoreline of Ashbridges Bay Park have been subjected to constant wave action, ice effects and flooding since its construction.
The structures within the Project Area include two headlands and a beach. These structures and the other nearby erosion control structures have been monitored annually since 2006 as part of TRCA’s Erosion Risk Management Program (ERMP).
In the spring of 2017, Lake Ontario experienced record high water levels, which exacerbated erosion issues along the entire Toronto shoreline. On April 14-15, 2018, a severe ice storm caused high wave conditions resulting in heavy damage to many shoreline erosion control structures.
The structures within the Project Area experienced damage during both severe weather events and were inspected under the ERMP in 2019. The beach was identified to be in a failing condition with displacement of rip rap material and scouring evident throughout the structure. This structure was listed as the highest priority for major maintenance works due to proximity of backshore erosion to the park trail. Both headlands were identified as at-risk with displacement of armourstone material evident along both structures.
Due to the continuing instability of the area and deficiencies observed along the erosion control structures, major maintenance works must be undertaken in the Project Area in order to mitigate the risk to public safety.
In 2022, TRCA retained Shoreplan, a coastal engineering consulting firm, to develop detailed designs for maintenance of the two headlands and beach within the Project Area to address the ongoing shoreline erosion and public safety hazards. Detailed designs are currently being developed.
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Scope of Work
The goal of the project is to restore and enhance the erosion control capabilities of the headlands and beach by repairing the existing structures.
The general scope/sequence of work for this project includes the following:
Completed Steps:
- Complete a baseline inventory of the Project Area
- Retain a qualified engineer to complete a coastal analysis and detailed designs for maintenance
In Progress:
- Develop detailed designs to reinforce the existing shoreline erosion control structures, increase resiliency to changing lake levels and wave impacts, as well as promoting aquatic habitat enhancement in Lake Ontario
- Acquire necessary permits and approvals required for construction
Next Steps:
- Undertake site setup and establish staging/stockpile areas, including tree removals, installation of Erosion and Sediment Control (ESC) measures and construction fencing and tree protection
- Prepare existing structures for maintenance including excavation where required
- Reinforce the armourstone headlands and cobble erosion control beach
- Install of habitat stones to promote aquatic habitat development
- Complete site restoration and demobilization
Construction Information
Work is tentatively scheduled to commence in 2025, pending receipt of all permits and approvals.
To ensure public safety, the project area will remain closed for the duration of construction activities. Further information on any trail closures will be provided in advance of construction.
Public Notices
Prior to implementation, Notices of Construction will be placed at various locations surrounding the project area. Project partners and members of the community will also be notified prior to construction.
Construction Progress Updates
Progress updates will be posted regularly upon commencement of construction activities.
Contact Information
The Planning Team is located at TRCA’s Boyd Field Centre in Vaughan:
Restoration and Infrastructure Division, Erosion Risk Management
9755 Canada Company Avenue
Vaughan, Ontario
L4H 0A3
For more information regarding this project, please contact the Project Manager:
Danielle Dellandrea, Senior Project Manager
Erosion Risk Management
Restoration & Infrastructure
danielle.dellandrea@trca.ca
(416) 786-5064