Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has proposed major maintenance work on an existing retaining wall near Canyon Avenue, in the City of Toronto. This work will protect private property from the hazards of slope instability and address erosion concerns within the river below.
Project Location
The Canyon Avenue Major Maintenance Project is located northeast of the intersection of Bathurst Street and Sheppard Avenue in the City of Toronto. The west branch of the Don River is located within the valley known as the West Don Parkland.
Learn More About the Project
Project Background
This project was initiated as part of TRCA’s Major Maintenance Program to restore pre-existing, deteriorating erosion control structures (ESC) that have passed their expected service life.
This project was prioritized due to safety risks to residential buildings above the West Don River on Canyon Avenue. Continued erosion from the river has resulted in the failure of existing erosion control measures protecting the bank.
The specific erosion control structure in question is a retaining wall made of gabion baskets.
The erosion hazard poses a significant risk to the adjacent properties. Without any protection measure in place, the bank will continue to erode and increase risk of slope instabilities.
TRCA retained Aquafor Beech Ltd., an environmental engineering consulting firm, to develop detailed designs for stabilizing the outer bank along the West Don River, downslope of private property.
Scope of Work
The proposed scope of work for this project includes the construction of an armourstone retaining wall with boulder toe protection, approximately 100m long, along the outer bank of the West Don River. This structure will help prevent further erosion of the slope as well as the riverbank.
TRCA will also shift the direction of the channel further away from the slope at Canyon Avenue to mitigate further erosion risks.
In 2025, TRCA will:
- Finalize detailed designs
- Begin obtaining all necessary approvals/permits
Construction Information
Construction has not yet commenced but is planned for fall 2026.
Public Notices
No notices to date.
Progress Updates
2025:
- Designs updated due to constructability issues
- River to be re-aligned away from the slope below Canyon Avenue
2024:
- Initiation of detailed design
- Borehole tests conducted to determine slope stability and Long-Term Stable Slope location
2024:
- Existing conditions survey report created
- Preliminary baseline conditions information gathered
- Tree inventory performed
- Aquafor Beech Ltd. selected as project proponent
Contact Us
For more information regarding this project, please contact:
Alex Grout, Senior Project Manager
Erosion Risk Management
Restoration & Infrastructure
Email: alex.grout@trca.ca
Phone: (437) 235-6120