VIEW POSTS
- Phase 1 Construction Update: Fall 2024 – November 28,2024
- Phase 1 Construction Update: Spring 2024 – June 12, 2024
- Phase 1 Construction Update: Fall 2023 – November 2, 2023
- Phase 1 Construction Update: Winter 2023 – March 1, 2023
- Phase 1 Construction Update: Summer 2022 – August 15, 2022
- Spring Construction Update – June 7, 2021
- Phase 1 Construction Update – December 15, 2020
- Phase 2 of the East Don Trail is Now Open – November 5, 2020
- Trespassing Activity Through Active Construction Site and Rail Corridor – August 7, 2020
- New Construction Timeline and Update – July 20, 2020*
- East Don Trail Closure at Wynford Drive – May 19, 2020
- Closure of Coxwell Ravine Parking Lot – April 17, 2020
- Construction Timelines Update: Phase 2 – December 20, 2019
- The Meadoway to connect with the East Don Trail – October 28, 2019
- Updated Construction Notices: Phase 1 And Phase 2 – September 27, 2019
- Building Bridges – September 27, 2019
- Construction Over The Summer Months – August 7, 2019
- Updated Construction Notice: West Don Parking Lot Improvement Project – June 10, 2019
- Updated Construction Notices: Phase 1 And Phase 2 – May 16, 2019
- EDT Pop-Up Booth At Ravine Day Celebration – May 7, 2019
- Tree Planting And Stewardship Activities – March 11, 2019
- Sneak Peek: Permanent Bridge Connecting Phase 2 To Existing East Don Trail – February 11, 2019
- Construction Continues Despite Cold Snap – February 4, 2019
- Temporary Bridges Provide Construction Access – January 4, 2019
- Coxwell Bypass Tunnel Construction At Coxwell Ravine Park – December 6, 2018
- East Don Trail Project – Construction Notice (Wigmore Park) – December 4, 2018
- Tree Removal and Pruning – October 4, 2018
Phase 1 Construction Update: Fall 2024
November 28, 2024
Figure 1 and 2: Asphalt paving from Bermondsey Road to Pedestrian-Cycle Overpass Bridge.
The work in the section of trail from Bermondsey Road to the finished portion of the East Approach structure started in November 2024.
The work includes grading, grounding system under Hydro One lines, resting nodes, fencing, and final paving, which is anticipated to be completed before the end of the year.
The top layer of the paving will be completed in early spring 2025.
Figure 3 and 4: Asphalt paving from Bermondsey Road to Pedestrian-Cycle Overpass Bridge.
The tunnel-associated works are continuing to progress, with track closure dates secured for Spring 2025 to facilitate the installation of the tunnel.
In preparation for the tunnel installation, preliminary work is required for the relocation and temporary support of existing utilities (i.e hydro, communications, etc.) along the section of rail line at the proposed tunnel location.
The Project Team is diligently monitoring the progress and will be working with Metrolinx to secure additional track closure dates, if required.
It should be noted that once the tunnel is installed there will be additional work, including the north and south boardwalk installation for Bridge 1, with final restoration and paving to complete this section leading to the tunnel.
Members of the public are reminded to adhere to restricted areas for their own safety throughout the duration of construction.
Phase 1 Construction Update: Spring 2024
June 12, 2024
The East Don Trail Phase 1 Project has completed a critical milestone in the delivery and installation of the pedestrian-cycle bridge over the Metrolinx rail line (see Figure 1 and 2).
Final restoration works and asphalt paving will commence in June 2024 for the East approach of the new bridge, as well as the section of pedestrian trail from the West Approach Structure to Bridge 4 (see Figure 3).
The section of trail from Bermondsey Road to the finished portion of the East Approach Structure is scheduled for September 2024. The work includes grading, resting nodes, fencing, and final paving, which is anticipated to be completed before the end of the year.
The tunnel-associated works are continuing to progress, with track closure dates secured for Fall 2024 to facilitate the installation of the tunnel.
In preparation for the tunnel installation, preliminary work is required for the relocation and temporary support of existing utilities (i.e hydro, communications etc.) along the section of rail line at the proposed tunnel location.
Successful completion of this task is critical in order to meet the scheduled track closure date for the tunnel installation as cold weather restrictions for working within the rail corridor will postpone the work into 2025.
The Project Team is diligently monitoring the progress and will be working with Metrolinx to secure additional track closure dates, if required.
If should be noted that once the tunnel is installed there will be additional work including the north and south boardwalk installation for Bridge 1 with final restoration and paving to complete this section leading to the tunnel.
Members of the public are reminded to adhere to restricted areas for their own safety throughout the duration of construction.
Figure 1: Pedestrian cycle bridge installation from east view point.
Figure 2: Pedestrian cycle bridge installation from west view point.
Figure 3: Asphalt paving from West Approach Structure to Bridge 4.
Please contact the project team if you have any questions.
Phase 1 Construction Update: Fall 2023
November 2, 2023
Phase 1 of the East Don Trail connection has experienced some project delays in obtaining final approvals that will delay implementation of the proposed works into 2024.
Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and City of Toronto are continuing to work with Metrolinx to secure final approval and to expedite timelines where possible.
Construction has commenced on the pedestrian-cycle bridge approach ramps and abutments (see Figure 2). The delivery of the steel bridge structure is expected in Spring 2024.
Additionally, the tunnel sections (see Figure 3) have been fabricated and delivered to the project site to mitigate any further delays once Metrolinx track closure dates are secured for the installation.
Members of the public are reminded to adhere to restricted areas for their own safety throughout the duration of construction.
Please contact the project team if you have any questions.
Phase 1 Construction Update: Winter 2023
March 1, 2023
Since the last project update, the project team from the City of Toronto, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), and their consultants R. J. Burnside & Associates Limited have completed the detailed design for the proposed tunnel and pedestrian-cycle bridge crossing of the Metrolinx rail corridor
TRCA awarded a contract to SONCIN Construction for implementation of these works, scheduled to commence in late February with completion by November 2023 (pending required approvals).
This tunnel and pedestrian-cycle bridge is required to complete Phase 1 of the East Don Trail connection from the Forks of the Don to Bermondsey Road.
Construction of the tunnel will be via the main park road off the east side of Don Mills Road along the existing trail, which will include installation of a temporary bridge over the East Don River.
Construction of the pedestrian-cycle bridge will be via the existing maintenance access through the Hydro corridor on the west side of Bermondsey and across the temporary at-grade crossing over the Metrolinx active rail corridor.
Members of the public are reminded to adhere to restricted areas for their own safety throughout the duration of construction.
Please contact the project team if you have any questions.
Phase 1 Construction Update: Summer 2022
August 15, 2022
Since the last project update, the project team from the City of Toronto and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) have been working with R. J. Burnside & Associates Limited on the detailed design for the proposed open cut tunnel and pedestrian/cycle bridge crossing of the Metrolinx rail corridor as part of the Phase 1 trail connection.
Approval was recently provided by Metrolinx and their third party reviewer AECOM on the 90% design drawings for the tunnel and pedestrian/cycle bridge crossing. Contractors have been pre-qualified to bid on the tender, which was issued on July 28 and closes on August 25.
Construction will commence in late August/early September, pending receipt of all final permits, approvals, and agreements with Metrolinx.
Construction of the bridge and tunnel is tentatively scheduled for installation at the end of 2022, with completion of the remainder of trail construction from Taylor Creek to Bermondsey Road scheduled for Spring/Summer 2023. This will complete the connection from Taylor Creek Park at the south end to Bermondsey Road in the north.
Questions? Please contact the project team.
Spring Construction Update
June 7, 2021
PHASE 2
Spring is here, and for the first time Phase 2 (Wigmore Park to Wynford Drive) of the East Don Trail can be explored in this beautiful season.
As the weather becomes more suitable for construction work, contracted staff are back on site to complete minor tasks, including:
- Installation of gates (i.e., P-gates) at three locations along the multi-use trail, including Wigmore Park, the maintenance entrance off of Pitcairn Crescent, and at the planned switchback. These gates will prevent vehicle access and will not obstruct trail users.
- Laying down coloured and textured asphalt at a few nodes, including close to Wigmore Park.
- Topsoil, seeding, and restoration of minor areas as required.
- Installation of signposts, signs, waste collection containers, etc.
One of the recent works completed included paving the maintenance access off of Pitcairn Crescent in order to provide better access for maintenance vehicles while reducing dust and mud from tracking onto Pitcairn Crescent and the East Don Trail.
If you are using the multi-use trail, please be aware that construction vehicles and staff will be accessing these areas. Some areas will require temporary fencing and will be cordoned off during this work.
Users are asked to adhere to directions from site staff and to exercise caution while using the trail during these periods.
PHASE 1
The project team is working closely with the City of Toronto and contracted consultants to undertake the detailed design of the proposed tunnel (Metrolinx 1 – Tunnel) and pedestrian bridge (Metrolinx 2 – Bridge) over the Metrolinx rail line, and have submitted the 60% design to Metrolinx and AECOM for review and approval.
Once the 100% detailed design package has been completed, reviewed, and approved, tendering will commence with construction tentatively scheduled for Spring 2022, pending receipt of permits and approvals.
The completion of the bridge and tunnel construction will kick off the remaining construction works from Taylor Creek Park in the south and Bermondsey Road in the north.
Completion of Phase 1 is tentatively scheduled for Summer 2022, with installation of railings, final paving, signage, resting nodes, and site restoration to follow bridge/tunnel construction.
Phase 1 (Lower Don Trail to Bermondsey Road) of the East Don Trail will feature five bridge crossings over the beautiful East Don River.
For the safety of the public during construction, temporary fencing and signage have been installed on the bridges. We appreciate the public’s desire to access this area but would like to remind users that this area is still under construction and is not open to the public.
There has been notable vandalism to the fencing, resulting in unsafe conditions and trespassing on private lands as well as the Metrolinx rail crossing. We would appreciate users adhering to signage in the interim, as we work towards completing the remaining sections of multi-use trail.
Phase 1 Construction Update
December 15, 2020
November was a celebration month for the East Don Trail team, as we hit a milestone with the completion of Phase 2. Although minor works are underway for this segment (including site furnishing and installation of railings), public access to the multi-use trail was opened on November 5.
While we were approaching the completion of Phase 2, the construction team was also continuing to work diligently on portions of Phase 1 to ensure we stay on schedule.
Since the last project update, Phase 1 has significantly advanced. Four out of the five temporary bridges have been dismantled and shipped off-site. It can take up to a full week to dismantle one temporary bridge, and takes three trailers to move it off-site.
Installation and decking have been completed for the five planned permanent bridges. Other works, including fencing and grading at bridge ramps, still remain.
A contract has been issued to retain a consulting engineering firm to complete detailed design, including permits and approvals, for the future tunnel and bridge over the Metrolinx rail line. Construction for this piece is planned to commence in fall 2021, pending receipt of permits and approvals.
Similar to Phase 2, Phase 1 will also feature an elevated boardwalk connecting two bridges. The fundamental infrastructure is in place, with metal decking and fencing underway.
In order to construct the planned-multi use trail, construction areas were cleared to allow for the access of large vehicles and equipment. These cleared areas are now being restored in sections of Phase 1 where the trail has been paved or completed.
Restoration work includes topsoil placement and terraseeding, with plantings to be completed in 2021.
Installation of the granular base from Taylor Creek to the future Metrolinx tunnel and Bermondsey Road to the future pedestrian crossing over the Metrolinx rail line has been completed.
Final paving has been completed from the north side of bridge 3 (view map) to the west end of the future pedestrian bridge over the Metrolinx rail line, adjacent to Flemingdon Park Golf Club.
There are a few items that are to be completed by the end of this year for Phase 1 including:
- Installation of railings on the boardwalk between bridges 2 and 3 (view map), including resting nodes and benches which are located between the future Metrolinx rail line crossings
- Commenced design for the future tunnel and bridge over the Metrolinx rail line
The completion of Phase 1 is planned for the end of 2021. This end date is conditional on completion of design, tendering, and construction of the proposed tunnel and pedestrian bridge over the Metrolinx rail line.
Phase 2 of the East Don Trail is Now Open
November 5, 2020
We are happy to announce the much-anticipated opening of Phase 2 of the East Don Trail project.
Minor works such as site furnishing and railings are ongoing. For your safety these areas will be temporarily cordoned off, and we request that users adhere to safety fencing, signage, and directions from the contractor’s personnel pending completion of these works.
This phase is one of three trail segments of the East Don Trail project, and the first to be completed. It stretches east-west, extending almost 2 kilometres from Wigmore Park to the existing East Don Trail, north of the Wynford Heights Crescent entry point.
When all phases are complete, it will provide a key north-south transportation route, reaching Lake Ontario. It will be part of a greater trail network connecting to the future Meadoway, Lower Don Trail, and existing East Don Trail.
Dignitaries from the City of Toronto, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), and members of the public joined in celebration of the opening of Phase 2.
“At a time where access to greenspace is so critical, I am excited to be here to celebrate the opening of a new section of the East Don Trail,” said Denzil-Minnan Wong, City of Toronto Councillor for Don Valley East – Ward 16.
The East Don Trail welcomes all non-motorized activities, including walking, running, rollerblading, cycling, or meditating.
Along the Phase 2 multi-use trail, you will see breathtaking views of the East Don River. The trail, which intertwines with the Metrolinx rail corridor, allows a close-up view of a forested ecosystem.
You may also spot wildlife, including several species of birds and mammals, and some amphibians and reptiles.
“With the Eglinton Crosstown, and new condos and apartments, we should remain mindful of how important it is to preserve our beautiful and functional midtown ravines,” said local community member Tanya Hostler.
The East Don Trail is unique for its series of bridges crossing the ravine, one of which stretches 60 metres over a portion of the East Don River. An elevated boardwalk is another feature along the trail that connects two of the bridges.
Curious to see the completed Phase 2? TAKE A VIRTUAL TOUR!
(If you want to see the full extension of the trail, stay tuned for a virtual bike tour — coming soon!)
Interested in exploring Phase 2 of the East Don Trail? There are two main access points: Elvaston Drive from the east, through Wigmore Park, and Wynford Heights Crescent from the west, as well as the existing East Don Trail from the north.
Please practice social distancing when on the trail!
Select the image below to view the full-sized trail map.
Phase 2 of the East Don Trail could not have become a reality
without TRCA’s partnership with the City of Toronto.
Trespassing Activity Through Active Construction Site and Rail Corridor
August 7, 2020
Recently, there has been a notable amount of pedestrian and cycling traffic on the active construction sites of the East Don Trail.
Specifically, there have been acts of trespassing in Phase 1 adjacent to the rail corridor, where the future East Don Trail tunnel will pass under the Metrolinx rail line.
Unauthorized persons are not to enter the active construction sites as there are numerous hazards to public safety.
Heavy equipment operations and open excavations make this a high-risk area for trips and falls. Please adhere to perimeter fencing and signage posted along the active construction sites throughout the duration of ongoing construction activities.
Pedestrians have been using and creating unofficial paths that lead to the construction zone as well as crossing over the active Metrolinx railway. Please adhere to posted signs and perimeter fencing during ongoing construction activities.
New Construction Timeline and Update
July 20, 2020*
We are pleased to let you know that Phase 2 of the East Don Trail is targeted to be complete by sometime in October 2020. Timelines can be affected by weather conditions and/or fabrication, delivery, and installation of railings.
Phase 1 is expected to be complete by the end of 2021, pending design, tendering, and construction of the proposed tunnel and pedestrian bridge over the Metrolinx rail line.
The trail will be open to the public as soon as each respective phase is complete. Check this page for updates to announce the opening of each trail segment. If further delays occur, new timelines will be reflected on our FAQ page and/or another project update. Until the opening, it will remain an active construction site and is closed to the public for safety reasons.
The East Don Trail is listed as a short-term priority for the City of Toronto in its Cycling Network Plan Update 2019. It remains a priority project for Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), as it is a key piece in connecting several existing trails.
TRCA construction staff have worked tirelessly through the winter and spring of 2020 and into the summer. Our team takes pride in its many accomplishments.
PHASE 1
To date, a total of five temporary bridges and two permanent bridges have been installed, including a temporary construction crossing over the Metrolinx rail line, along with bank stabilization and granular base for the entire length of trail.
Bank stabilization and erosion protection measures have also been implemented along segments of the East Don River that run along the trail and where bridges have been installed.
Construction of the future tunnel and bridge over the Metrolinx rail line is tentatively scheduled for implementation in spring/summer 2021, pending completion of detailed design and receipt of permits and approvals.
Final paving, signage, line painting, and site restoration of remaining sections of trail will be completed immediately following construction of the tunnel and bridge, with opening of the trail to be public to follow.
Use arrow buttons to cycle through the image gallery. Select Read Now for full-screen view.
PHASE 2
A major accomplishment for Phase 2 was the installations of three permanent bridges, including a new boardwalk connection between two of the bridges, with the addition of railings and bridge ramps.
Phase 2 work will also be focused on creating a portion of the trail which includes an armourstone switchback, with final paving, restoration, and signage scheduled for early summer, in preparation for opening of the trail in August 2020.
Railings for boardwalks, bridge approach ramps, and trail are scheduled to be installed in late July and August 2020, pending completion of fabrication, with line painting and signage to follow.
Restoration work, including topsoiling and seeding, is underway in Phase 2 in preparation for opening of the trail to the public in August.
Use arrow buttons to cycle through the image gallery. Select Read Now for full-screen view.
*Post updated October 1, 2020 to reflect revised timelines.
East Don Trail Closure at Wynford Drive
May 19, 2020
The existing East Don Trail at Wynford Drive will temporarily be closed this week from Tuesday May 19 to Friday May 22.
The closure will be required to facilitate the construction for Phase 2 of the East Don Trail project.
Please see the map below for areas of closure. LEARN MORE.
Closure of Coxwell Ravine Parking Lot
April 17, 2020
As of April 3, motor vehicle access to the Taylor Creek Trail from Don Mills Road leading to the Coxwell Ravine Parking Lot and West Don Parking lot has been temporarily closed (see documents below for a detailed map).
Access for pedestrians and cyclists will remain open.
The Coxwell Ravine Parking Lot is currently occupied as a work site by contractors for the City of Toronto’s Coxwell Bypass Tunnel project. Recent closure of the West Don Parking lot has resulted in access to the work site being obstructed by public vehicles parking along the main park roadway. Vehicles parked in this location will now receive a flyer of this notice on their windshield, and owners may have their vehicles towed.
If your car has been towed, please call the Toronto Police Non-Emergency phone number: (416) 808-2222.
Please see the Parking Restriction Flyer and the Construction Notice for the Coxwell Bypass Tunnel project for further details. These documents can also be found in our Document Library.
We thank you for your understanding and patience during these challenging times.
If you have any questions or concerns, please email our project team at EastDonTrail@trca.ca, or contact Tatiana Chiesa, the construction project manager for the City of Toronto, at Tatiana.Chiesa@toronto.ca.
Construction Timelines Update: Phase 2
December 20, 2019
We are now in the midst of winter, and construction for the East Don Trail continues. TRCA staff and their contractor (Metric Contracting Services) have been working hard and have progressed significantly since the last construction update.
There have been three permanent bridges installed, bank stabilization works, completion of paving and drainage improvements in Wigmore Park, and grading and granular preparation for future paving throughout the remaining portion of the trail.
Unfortunately, additional work and unforeseeable delays have changed the timelines for Phase 2. Construction of Phase 2 will be now completed in Spring 2020. The delay in completion is attributed to refinements of the trail design to further reduce tree removals and excavation, completion of studies associated with permitting requirements (i.e. geotechnical studies), pending permits from stakeholders, and a proposed Metrolinx bridge rehabilitation plan.
Phase 2 is anticipated to be available for public use in Spring 2020 pending suitable weather and site conditions for final paving and restoration.
Construction Updates for both Phase I and II will be posted in the Document Library and will reflect the new estimated timelines, although end dates are subject to change depending on weather conditions and pending approvals.
For more information on project details and timelines, please visit the FAQ page or e-mail us at eastdontrail@trca.ca.
The Meadoway to connect with the East Don Trail
October 28, 2019
There’s exciting news for the future East Don Trail. A new ground-breaking initiative for the City of Toronto will connect directly with the trail at Bermondsey Rd.
Once complete, The Meadoway will be one of the country’s largest urban linear greenspaces. It will stitch together several fragmented pieces of trail to form a 16 km continuous multi-use path following the Gatineau hydro corridor east, all the way to the Rouge National Urban Park by the Toronto Zoo. It will become a much-needed east-west route as the majority of Toronto’s trail system runs north-south.
Phase 1 of the East Don Trail will provide the perfect connection from the south to this new space. Sections of meadow have already been planted as The Meadoway begins to take shape.
This green corridor promises to change the way we move in our city and will bring nature closer to the urban core. To find out more, visit themeadoway.ca.
Updated Construction Notices: Phase 1 And Phase 2
September 27, 2019
Updated construction notices for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the East Don Trail project are now available in the Document Library section of this website. Please refer to these notices for any information about the construction works completed to date as well as upcoming work.
In addition to these updates, a new EDT Factsheet is available in the Document Library to address recent questions. As always, you can submit a question on our Q&A page and a project team member will be happy to provide an answer.
Building Bridges
September 27, 2019
On September 25 and 26, the longest bridge on the East Don Trail (a total of 60m) was put in place.
These photos show the positioning of a 40m and a 20m section being spliced together in mid-air over the East Don River!
This bridge is one of three bridges that cross over the East Don River in Phase 2 of the project. Phase 2 trail work will connect the existing East Don Trail at Wynford Heights in the West to Wigmore Park in the East.
Bridge decking will be installed shortly with final paving and restoration to be completed for Phase 2 of the East Don trail by the end of 2019.
Construction Over The Summer Months
August 7, 2019
Construction of the East Don Trail has continued as planned throughout the summer months.
PHASE 1
These photos show progress of the Helical pile, forming, rebar and concrete installation on the north and south foundations/abutments of permanent bridge # 1 over the East Don River.
This photo shows the armourstone wall construction within the portion of trail constructed within the existing hydro corridor on the west side of Bermondsey Road.
A granular base for future trail along East Don River towards future bridge #1.
PHASE 2
These photos show new trail construction from Pitcairn Crescent to the future switchback and from bridge 8 to bridge 9 where the trail will connect with the existing East Don trail at Wynford Heights Crescent.
Construction on the trail connection for the portion through Wigmore Park to Elvaston Drive will be commencing this week.
Updated Construction Notice: West Don Parking Lot Improvement Project
June 10, 2019
An updated construction notice for the West Don Parking Lot Improvement Project is now available in the HERE.
Please refer to this notice for any information about the construction works completed to date as well as upcoming work for Spring 2019.
Updated Construction Notices: Phase 1 And Phase 2
May 16, 2019
Updated construction notices for Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the East Don Trail project are now available.
Please refer to these notices for any information about the construction works completed to date as well as upcoming work for Spring 2019.
EDT Pop-Up Booth At Ravine Day Celebration, Sunday May 12 At Evergreen Brick Works
May 7, 2019
Join representatives from the East Don Trail project as well as The Meadoway at the Ravine Day Celebration hosted at Evergreen Brick Works to learn about these ongoing trail development projects.
Visit us to learn about what new areas you will be able to access once these projects are completed, and how you can stay up-to-date on developments during the construction phase. Get more information about the event HERE. Hope to see you there!
Tree Planting And Stewardship Activities
March 11, 2019
As the snow begins to melt, that means the tree planting and stewardship season is just around the corner!
Last year, City of Toronto Forestry engaged with 3800 volunteers to plant over 15,000 trees and shrubs city-wide. In the East Don Valley area alone, volunteers planted more than 1000 woody and herbaceous plants.
Volunteers at our Milne Hollow Community Stewardship Program site, near Lawrence Ave and the Don Valley Parkway, also helped to managed invasive species such as garlic mustard, buckthorn, and phragmites.
Milne Hollow is one of seven Community Stewardship Program sites in the city where volunteers meet weekly from May to September to engage in restoration and stewardship activities.
The City also hosts public weekend drop-in planting events in the spring and fall, partnering with local community groups and schools. We hope you will join us this year to help make the city greener!
To find out how to get involved visit toronto.ca/greentoronto or email greentoronto@toronto.ca.
Sneak Peek: Permanent Bridge Connecting Phase 2 To Existing East Don Trail
February 11, 2019
Here is a sneak peek of one of the permanent bridges that will be part of the new East Don Trail extension! This bridge will be located at the connection with the existing East Don Trail at Wynford Heights, at the west limit of Phase 2. VIEW MAP.
The steel decking will be installed once the bridge is on site. TRCA and City of Toronto are working with Metric Contracting Services for construction of the East Don Trail project.
Construction Continues Despite Cold Snap
February 4, 2019
Despite the recent cold snap, construction on the East Don Trail project continues to move forward.
Along Phase 1 (view Phase 1 Map), the crew has completed construction of a temporary watertight cofferdam to allow for the building of a new armourstone wall which will protect the section of the trail passing below the DVP from erosion. Tree clearing continues along Phase 1, with continued care to minimize removal of larger trees (view the Factsheet on Tree Removal for more info).
Along Phase 2 (view Phase 2 Map), the majority of tree removal is completed. Construction and silt fences have been erected along the construction site along the trail alignment. Sediment fences are used on construction sides to protect water quality in nearby streams from loose soil being transported by stormwater runoff.
Temporary Bridges Provide Construction Access
January 4, 2019
If you are familiar with the East Don River, you are likely aware of how steep the terrain is in the valley. This introduces accessibility challenges to heavy construction machinery required to build the new stretch of the East Don Trail.
A series of rented Modular Panel Bridge Systems are currently in place from the company Algonquin Bridge to help construction crews safely navigate stream crossings and to access hard-to-reach areas.
These bridges are delivered and assembled on site.
The bridge that is directly adjacent to the Don Valley Parkway, close to the Taylor Creek Dog Park, was built and then lifted into place by a crane.
The second bridge that is currently in place close to the construction staging area at the bottom of the hill at Wynford Heights, was cantilever launched from one side of the stream crossing to the other. This means it was built and then projected horizontally across the East Don river, supported on one end only during the launch. The cantilever launch method allows for easier bridge construction and installation at difficult crossings.
Use of these rental bridges is key to the successful completion of the East Don Trail construction project.
The permanent bridges you will see along the new trail will look different than these temporary ones, but all play an important role in facilitating stream crossings in this steep ravine valley.
Also, did you know that the TRCA has used rental bridges from Algonquin Bridge for other projects in our watersheds? A bridge system from the company was also used to access banks of the Humber River for a bank stabilization project.
Coxwell Bypass Tunnel Construction At Coxwell Ravine Park
December 6, 2018
The Don River and Central Waterfront Wet Weather Flow System (DR&CW) project is an integrated system to manage rain and melted snow.
The project will keep combined sewer overflows out of the Lower Don River, Taylor-Massey Creek, and Inner Harbour by capturing water in the tunnel system, transporting it for treatment, and storing it during extreme rainstorms until system capacity is available and the water can be treated.
Once fully constructed, the project will include:
- A 22km tunnel system, consisting of three integrated tunnels (Coxwell Bypass Tunnel, Taylor Massey Creek Tunnel, Inner Harbour West Tunnel)
- 12 wet weather flow storage shafts along the tunnels
- 27 connection points to the tunnels for stormwater and combined sewer overflow
- Seven off-line storage tanks
- Real Time Control (RTC) to regulate flows in the City’s sewer system
Starting in December 2018, one of 12 underground wet weather flow storage shafts will be built at Coxwell Ravine Park and is expected to be completed in December 2023.
You can view a more detailed construction notice for this project HERE.
Public parking will not be available in the Coxwell Ravine Parking Lot (adjacent to the Taylor Creek Dog Off-leash Area) for the duration of construction. Alternate parking is located at the West Don Trail Parking Lot.
The Taylor Creek Dog Park will remain open throughout the duration of construction.
Please note that this construction is not associated with construction activities involved with the East Don Trail Project.
If you have any questions about the Coxwell Bypass Tunnel or the Don and Central Waterfront Wet Weather Flow System please contact Robert H. Mayberry, Project Manager at Robert.Mayberry@toronto.ca.
East Don Trail Project – Construction Notice (Wigmore Park)
December 4, 2018
Construction of Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the East Don Trail project commenced in September 2018.
To date, the access for construction of Phase 2 of the project has been located on the north side of Wynford Heights Crescent. As of Monday December 17, 2018, contractors will also be using the Phase 2 construction access located at the Wigmore Park entrance on the north side of Elvaston Drive.
The work will consist of site preparation, erosion and sediment control, perimeter fencing, and signage.
The existing paved trail into Wigmore Park from Elvaston Drive will remain open over the holidays and will be closed in the new year throughout the duration of construction activities. A temporary granular trail will be constructed on the east side of the entrance trail into Wigmore Park from Elvaston Drive to maintain public access.
View the detailed Phase 2 Construction Notice.
We thank you for your patience during construction activities. Please visit this page for regular updates on construction progress.
Tree Removal and Pruning
October 4, 2018
Construction on Phase 1 and Phase 2 of the East Don Trail has begun!
In the coming weeks, you may see arborists on site, pruning and removing trees as part of the project.
In the detailed design phase of the East Don Trail Project, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) prepared an arborist report. The purpose of this report was to review the potential impacts of all proposed site works upon trees within or close to the project area, and to outline recommended tree preservation measures in order to reduce impacts to as many healthy, native, mature trees as possible.
The summary of final tree removal numbers for the project can be found in the East Don Trail – Tree Removal Factsheet
All woody material resulting from the project’s tree removals will be re-purposed and used for other restoration projects such as Tommy Thompson Park, Lakeview Waterfront Connection Project, and TRCA habitat enhancement projects.
A compensation plan was developed to meet the requirements of the Ravine and Natural Feature Protection By-Law. A total of 5,861 tree replacements will be required for the East Don Trail Project. Out of this total, at least 640 will be planted as part of future community tree planting events.