Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), in partnership with the City of Toronto (City), have initiated the Vale of Avoca Improvement Project (VoAIP), in the Vale of Avoca ravine near Yonge Street and St. Clair Ave East. This project aims to produce and implement a reach-based plan for addressing the erosion hazards and improving accessibility for the entirety of the Vale of Avoca ravine.
Project Location
The VoAIP is located within the 17-hectare area of the Vale of Avoca, following a 1.46 km length of Yellow Creek. The area includes current park trails and the open channel portion of Yellow Creek from south of Mount Pleasant Cemetery (east of Yonge Street and north of St. Clair Avenue), to the southern part of David A. Balfour Park (south of Summerhill Avenue and west of Mount Pleasant Road).
Learn More About the Project
Project Background
The City of Toronto and TRCA have made long-term investments in the Vale of Avoca ravine, focusing on safeguarding life and property, tackling slope instability, and preserving and restoring the natural environment. Stopgap solutions and emergency works were implemented where needed while the City’s Yellow Creek Geomorphic Systems Master Plan (GSMP) was underway though 2020-2025. With the results of this study now available, the City of Toronto is seeking TRCA’s assistance to assess prioritization and propose detailed design solutions for erosion control, channel rehabilitation and trail state of good repair projects.
The erosion hazards pose a significant risk to the existing trail, access points to the ravine, and adjacent properties. Certain informal trails are no longer fit for public use, and several staircases allowing access to the ravine have been closed due to structural deficiencies. Without the construction of adequate erosion control measures, the banks will continue to erode and slope instabilities will worsen.
Scope of Work
The proposed scope of work for this project includes:
- Delivering reach-based detailed design solutions throughout the Vale of Avoca ravine focused on erosion control providing a stabilized watercourse;
- Projecting a Long-Term Stable Slope Crest across areas that may have slope stability issues and implications for essential tableland features, as determined in the GSMP;
- Developing detailed design solutions to enhance the trail system and pedestrian bridge crossing(s); and
- Developing detailed design solutions, if requested, to improve access points and achieve overall ravine beautification (e.g. seating, lookouts, wayfinding, etc.)
In 2025, TRCA will:
- Prepare an RFP to procure a proponent for detailed design solutions (following consultation with the City of Toronto and the Midtown Ravines Group)
Construction Information
Construction has not yet commenced.
Public Notices
No notices to date.
Progress Updates
2025
- Letter agreement authorized by City of Toronto
- First Working Group meeting held between TRCA, Midtown Ravines Group and City of Toronto
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