FAQ TOPICS
1. CONSTRUCTION
Q: When will construction of the trail start?
A: Construction of the trail is following a three-phase approach:
- Phase 1 extends from the Lower Don Trail, over Taylor Massey Creek, along the Toronto Water access route, through the lower section of the ravine towards Flemingdon Park Golf Club and east through the Gatineau Hydro Corridor, terminating at Bermondsey Road (refer to Phase 1 map ). Construction of Phase 1 commenced September 2018
- Phase 2 extends from the existing East Don Trail, north of the Wynford Heights Crescent access, to Wigmore Park at Elvaston Drive (refer to Phase 2 map ). Construction of Phase 2 was completed in November 2020.
- Phase 3 will connect Phase 1 and Phase 2. Phase 3 construction commencement is to be determined.
Construction for Phase 3 will be subject to approvals and budget availability.
Q: How long will it take to construct the trail?
A: Phase 2 is complete and is open for the public to use. It is the first of the three segments to be complete.
Phase 1 is planned to be completed by summer 2022. This end date is conditional on completion of design, tendering, and construction of the proposed tunnel and pedestrian bridge over the Metrolinx rail line.
No sections of the Phase 1 trail will be open for public use during this time due to safety concerns, as the area is an active construction site.
To view the most recent construction updates on Phase 1, please visit the document library and the project updates page.
Although Phase 3 was approved during the Environmental Assessment process, detailed design has not been completed. Commencement of detailed design and implementation of Phase 3 will be subject to approvals and budget availability.
Q: How will trail construction impact the surrounding environment, and what will you do to ensure it’s protected?
A: The trail construction may impact a number of components of the surrounding environment, including:
- Local vegetation (tree removal)
- Aquatic environment (sediment run-off)
- Wildlife (displacement as a result of construction-related disturbance)
- Existing natural area uses (adjacent trails closures and intermittent increases in noise and vibration levels)
To avoid or minimize the impacts, various mitigation measures have been or will be implemented. These include:
- Sediment and erosion control measures
- Post-construction site restoration and tree planting
- Conformance to migratory and breeding bird timing windows
- Minimizing the size of staging areas
- Issuing timely construction notices to local residents and park users
The Environmental Study Report for the East Don Trail project contains a detailed description of construction-related environmental impacts and mitigation measures.
As per the requirements of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, these provisions are to be adhered to during trail implementation.
Q: How will the public be updated about the trail construction?
A: Members of the public can stay informed in a number of ways:
- The project webpage will be maintained throughout the detailed design and construction phases
- Members of the public who wish to receive updates by mail can contact us at EastDonTrail@trca.ca
- Regular construction notices will be issued. You can view construction notices HERE.
2. SAFETY
Q: How will the new multi-use trail provide safe access to the valley lands?
A: A number of design criteria were looked at in the detailed design to help ensure safety of trail users. These included:
- Providing safer routes and access points to the valley lands that cross the river and rail line in a safe manner, and that avoid flood-prone or steep/eroding areas, where possible
- Designing the trail to accommodate Emergency Medical Services vehicles (i.e. ambulances)
- Ensuring unobstructed sight lines for trail users
- Complying with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) — see Accessibility FAQs for more information
- Incorporating signs that outline existing Parks, Forestry & Recreation bylaws, such as those that restrict the use of motorized bicycles on trails, impose maximum cycling speeds, or require dogs to be on-leash regulation. Get more information on bylaws for parks HERE.
Q: Will a new multi-use trail be able to accommodate different users safely?
A: Sharing trails helps to build a trail community in which users cooperate to preserve and protect a common resource.
When all trail users observe basic trail etiquette, their encounters with other users will be amicable, and most people will have a satisfying experience on the trail. Trail head signs will help to promote trail etiquette so that all users are aware of how to use the trail appropriately.
Residents are encouraged to call 311 for anything of concern.
Several factors were considered during detailed design to address user safety. These included:
- Width requirements for safe multi-use (3.5 to 4.0 metres)
- Clear sight lines
- Pavement markings to direct users
- Resting and passing areas
- Regulatory, informational, and warning signage
Where the trail intersects with access points, a number of measures were considered to increase safety for users. These included:
- Impressed pavement treatments
- Cautionary wording in the trail pavement to help to slow faster users and provide awareness for all users of a trail crossing
3. TRAIL AND USERS
Q: What are the expected benefits of the East Don Trail?
A: Multi-use trails are actively enjoyed by a wide range of users, and are generally considered an attractive neighbourhood amenity. Trails provide a space for interaction with neighbours and increase access for people to discover natural, cultural, and heritage places in the city.
Public places that are actively used by residents are generally regarded as safer and more comfortable for all ages. The most effective crime prevention approach is to encourage a high level of activity along the trail system.
Trails support the opportunity for physical activity through hiking, walking, running, rollerblading, and cycling, which is in tune with the City of Toronto’s public health objective to encourage physical activity to improve the health of Torontonians.
Building high-quality, accessible infrastructure such as trails also promotes social equality.
The East Don Trail will provide a single multi-use trail in a valley system that currently contains an extensive network of informal trails. This will encourage users to stay on a single route away from more ecologically sensitive areas, minimizing negative environmental effects.
Q: Will the new plan include winter maintenance of the Trail?
A: No. Parks, Forestry and Recreation does not maintain multi-use trails in winter, and the Environmental Study Report did not recommend winter maintenance. Winter maintenance is not being considered for a variety of reasons including cost, topography of the trail, and potential impacts on the adjacent natural area.
Q: Will you be doing anything to address the increase in garbage that will come with an increase in users?
A: The City will provide trash bins at trail access points. In addition, a formalized trail will help concentrate the majority of users into a single area, and thereby reducing the amount of litter in more sensitive areas of the valley.
Q: Will off-leash dogs still be allowed in the area once the trail is constructed?
A: Off-leash dog parks are not part of the scope of this Study.
Under the Parks Bylaw (Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 608-34) and the Animals Bylaw (Toronto Municipal Code Chapter 349-11), dogs are required to be on a leash when not in a designated off-leash area.
A number of existing off-leash dog parks are located within the City. The closest ones are located at the Brickworks (Bayview and Mortimer), Sherwood Park (Mount Pleasant north of Eglington), Sunnybrook Park (south of Sunnybrook hospital, near Bayview and Eglinton), and at the Taylor Creek parking lot (east of Don Mills Road at the Taylor Creek Trail head). For more information, see the complete list of dog parks within the City of Toronto.
Q: What will happen to the natural surface (dirt) trails in the area?
A: The scope of this Study is limited to a multi-use paved trail. The natural surface trails will be addressed as part of the City of Toronto’s Natural Environment Trail Strategy.
The strategy works to ensure the protection of the City of Toronto’s natural areas while offering safe and enjoyable recreational opportunities for all users. The Natural Environment Trail Strategy can be found HERE.
Get more information about trails in Toronto HERE.
Q: Will the trail include additional by-law enforcement — to reduce off-leash dogs and cyclists riding too fast?
A: Trail etiquette has been noted as an important issue. The City will continue to encourage safe and appropriate use of the trail through signage. Further efforts, such as public education campaigns and increased by-law enforcement, are beyond the scope of this project. To report bylaw infractions, please contact 311.
Q: How will the East Don Trail connect with the Pan Am path project?
A: A portion of the East Don Trail will form part of the Pan Am Path. This includes the southern section of the East Don Corridor as well as the connection to the Gatineau Corridor Trail
The Pan Am Path is a multi-use path that will connect over 80 kilometres of Toronto’s trails, adjoining neighbourhoods, and Pan Am competition sites from northwest Etobicoke to southeast Scarborough. It was supported by City Council as a Pan Am showcase project.
4. LAND OWNERSHIP
Q: Are the private landowners in the local Study Area being consulted?
A: Yes. The private landowners and key stakeholders that will be directly impacted by the design and construction of the proposed trail have been consulted regularly throughout the Class EA process, and their feedback and concerns are being documented by the project team.
These landowners and key stakeholders include Hydro One, Enbridge, Flemingdon Park Golf Club, and GO/Metrolinx.
Q: What will happen to the Flemingdon Park Golf Club?
A: In the evaluation of trail alignments, the alignment which went through the Flemingdon Park Golf Club (River Walk B) scored the highest in terms of functional value, reduced impact on natural and physical environment, and user experience.
However, the preferred alignment that has been selected is the second highest scoring alignment (Hillside Trail), with a portion of the proposed trail adjacent to the golf course. Hillside trail was chosen because it does not affect the current operations of the golf club or require private property acquisition.
The East Don Trail Project team will continue to consult with Flemindgon Park Golf Club throughout the process.
5. NATURAL ENVIRONMENT
Q: I like the natural feel of the Don Valley lands. How will you ensure that the trail will not look “over-developed”?
A: One of the defining features of the East Don valley lands is the feeling of escaping into nature while still being in the city.
During the evaluation and selection of the preferred route, opportunities to avoid or mitigate effects on the natural environment were addressed. This included a trail aesthetics component. Based on this component, crossing structures and segments most consistent with the natural environment experience were ranked higher during the evaluation and selected to form the preferred route, where possible.
Q: Will an increase in traffic in the area harm existing plants and wildlife?
A: Currently, the East Don valley lands have an extensive network of informal trails (dirt trails that develop over time from repeated use). Throughout the Study Area, these informal trails have an impact on the natural environment, including:
- Habitat fragmentation — the breaking up one patch of habitat into a number of smaller patches
- Increased opportunities for interaction between people and local wildlife and/or their pets and wildlife.
Developing a single multi-use trail will encourage users to stay on a single route. In addition, the trail will allow access to the valley for future restoration and maintenance of areas that are currently in a deteriorated state.
Q: Will there be any restoration work or improvements to the natural environment in the area associated with the trail?
A: The trail location was designed with the aim of minimizing negative impacts to the natural environment. However, it is recognized that some impacts may occur.
A Restoration Plan was also developed during the detailed design stage to address compensation for the vegetation removal required to construct the trail. The plan specifies compensates for the removed and/or injured trees, to be replaced at a greater amount than removed.
In addition, the City of Toronto will adhere to any conditions, such as tree and shrub planting, of permits issued under applicable regulations, such as Toronto’s Ravine and Natural Feature Protection By-law.
Q: Will the development of the trail increase the spread of invasive species?
A: Invasive species are plants, animals, aquatic life, and micro-organisms that out-compete native species and threaten the local ecosystem when introduced outside of their natural environment.
Invasive species are present throughout much of the Study Area. The use of informal trails through both infested and pristine areas is one of the ways that invasive species are spread.
Part of the Study looked at minimizing negative environmental effects by concentrating use on a single trail, away from areas with higher ecological value where possible. A single formal trail that allows for better access to the valley will also make it easier for the City to monitor and address the spread of invasive species.
To reduce the potential of trail construction contributing to invasive species spread, the following measures are implemented during construction:
- Minimize moving fill/soil, where possible
- Retain as much existing vegetation as possible during site preparation and construction
- Avoid transplanting vegetation to minimize spread of invasive species from infested to non-infested areas
- Employ restoration practices that contribute to prevention of invasive species spread (for example, the use of site-appropriate native plants and invasive-free materials for post-construction work)
Q: How will the development of the trail impact local wildlife?
A: Impacts on wildlife associated with trail development vary depending on the species of animal.
The majority of wildlife in the Study Area are species that have successfully adapted to and are commonly found in urban settings (such as the grey squirrel). The potential negative effects on wildlife of developing a single multi-use trail are expected to be minor overall.
To minimize the impact of trail construction to wildlife, the following measures have been or will be implemented:
- The trail, construction access routes, and staging areas were designed to minimize vegetation removal, grading and filling, where possible.
- Site preparation, such as tree removal, was restricted during the time of year when migratory and other birds were breeding (between May 1 and July 31).
- Areas around the trail will be restored after construction, using appropriate native tree and shrub species.
- Additional fish and wildlife habitat features, such as bat boxes, will be incorporated adjacent to the trail.
- If necessary, further measures to minimize potential impacts will be developed in consultation with the City of Toronto Tree Protection and Plan Review section, TRCA biologists and the Ministry of Natural Resources and Forestry.
Q: How will the trail impact the deer that currently use the area?
A: Impacts on white-tailed deer in the Study Area are expected to be minor. Efforts are being made to minimize removal of trees and shrubs that provide cover for deer.
In addition, providing a single trail can lower disturbance to deer by concentrating human use to a smaller area that deer can avoid.
Deer are highly adaptable and able to use a variety of landscapes, except open areas where they cannot take cover. In urban areas, white-tailed deer become more active at night and use areas with cover during the day.
Q: Some trees in the East Don Valley lands have an orange dot on them. What does this mean?
A: Orange spray paint (usually in the form of a dot) on trees found within the East Don valley lands may be part of one of two programs: the East Don Trail Study detailed tree survey or the City of Toronto Emerald Ash Borer Program.
A detailed tree inventory (survey) was undertaken during the East Don Trail Study, to inform the evaluation process used to select the preferred trail route. During the field surveys some trees were spray painted as reference points.
For more information on the detailed tree inventory and how it was used during the EA process please contact the project team.
Orange dots on trees may also be associated with investigations done as part of The City of Toronto’s Emerald Ash Borer (EAB) program.
The EAB is an introduced insect pest from Asia that attacks and kills all species of ash trees. This invasive pest devastated ash trees in southern Ontario and parts of the United States since its discovery in Detroit, Michigan in 2002.
The City of Toronto is managing the impact of EAB within Toronto through the following ways:
- Removal of dead and dying ash trees
- Insecticide treatment of selected ash trees
- Tree replacement and proactive planting
- Communication and public outreach
- Co-operation with both public and private sectors in the areas of research and development
Get more information on the Emerald Ash Borer in Toronto HERE.
6. ACCESSIBILITY
Q: Some areas in the valley are very steep. If a trail is built there it may be inaccessible for elderly users and people with mobility issues. How will this be addressed?
A: The East Don valley lands provide an interesting and varied trail experience, but do present challenges for making the trail easily accessible to people with mobility limitations, such as those with a disability, the elderly, and people with strollers. Wherever possible, the trail will be designed and built to comply with the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
Throughout the process of the selecting the design concept, all efforts were made to route the trail in areas of minimal grade changes. In cases where the trail locations, and consequently the design, were restricted, less steep alternatives were explored. The final trail will also incorporate signage informing users of trail segments with potential access challenges.
Q: What is the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA)?
A: The Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) was enacted by the provincial government in 2005 to help make Ontario accessible to people with disabilities. This act lays the framework for the development of province-wide mandatory standards on accessibility in all areas of daily life.
Get more information on the AODA HERE
Q: Will the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA) apply to the East Don Trail Project?
A: The East Don Trail will comply with the requirements set out by the Accessibility for Ontarians with Disabilities Act (AODA).
However, the AODA allows for exceptions to be made where meeting requirements is not possible due to:
- Existing site constraints (for example, existing hydro, rail, and gas infrastructure)
- Negative effects on water, fish, wildlife, plants, invertebrates, species at risk, ecological integrity, or natural/cultural heritage values
The City of Toronto’s Parks, Forestry & Recreation Advocate for People with Disabilities was involved with the Technical Advisory Committee (TAC) for the East Don Trail Study. In addition, the City’s Parks Forestry & Recreation Community Disability Steering Committee was engaged during the EA process and detailed design.
These individuals provided input into the design process to ensure that accessibility standards were met wherever possible.
Get more information on making trails more accessible HERE.
7. GENERAL DESIGN PARAMETERS
Q: What happened during the detailed design phase?
A: The preferred trail alignment, selected in the Environmental Assessment phase, was further refined, and specifications and plans were created.
Technical specifications (i.e. construction standards, materials, etc.) of the preferred tail alignment were outlined in this phase, using tools such as detailed design drawings. These were then used during the construction phase.
Q: What is the general design for the trail?
A: The trail is designed as multi-use trail.
Toronto has hundreds of kilometres of multi-use trails in parks, hydro and rail corridors, boulevards and natural areas across the city. Multi-use trails are generally paved, and are shared by people walking, using wheelchairs, pushing strollers, running, in-line skating, and cycling.
The East Don Trail is designed to be 3.6 to 4 metres wide and 6.3 kilometres long — an asphalt multi-use trail routed within the East Don Valley, and containing a number of watercourse bridges and crossings of the rail line.
Q: Where will the proposed trail be located?
A: A number of factors were assessed to determine the most suitable trail location, including the physical, natural, socioeconomic, and cultural environments.
The preferred trail route meets the Study objectives for providing safe access to the valley lands and a safe off-road option for cyclists and other users, as well as a simple focused route, while avoiding or minimizing environmental impacts.
Q: Where will the access points to the trail be located?
A: The trail will be accessible from the existing East Don Trail, Lower Don Trail, Taylor Creek Trail, West Don Trail, Wigmore Park, Eglinton Avenue East (pending Phase 3 design and implementation), Wynford Heights Crescent, and Bermondsey Road.
Q: What type of material will be used for the trail surface?
A: The majority of the trail surface will be asphalt. Asphalt was chosen because it is a firm and stable surface, does not erode, and has lower maintenance costs than other materials (such as natural surface, limestone screenings, or wood chips)
Asphalt is also able to support a variety of users and abilities (including children, users with mobility issues, and elderly users) and is considered a standard trail surface for multi-use trails by the City of Toronto.
In some sections of the trail a boardwalk surface will be necessary to travel across lower wet areas.
Q: Will the existing gravel access route along the East Don River, which is used by Toronto Water, remain as it is?
A: Toronto Water uses the existing route in the southern portion of the Study Area for periodic monitoring of the East Don Trunk Sewer. The preferred trail alignment also utilizes this route. Shared use of the trail with Toronto Water will have a smaller footprint of impact to the local area.
Q: Will trail amenities be provided (such as signage and lighting)?
A: Yes. Some trail amenities will be located at nodal points (where the trail meets the road, other trails, or parkland), and may include garbage receptacles, signage, and bicycle parking.
These amenities, including specific locations, types, and details were included in the detailed design phase of the Study.
8. EAST DON TRAIL STUDY
Q: What is an Environmental Assessment Study?
A: An Environmental Assessment (commonly known as an EA) is a study required by the Ontario Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP) to assess the potential positive or negative effects of an individual project on the environment. Social, cultural, and economic aspects are also considered.
Key components of an Environmental Assessment include:
- consultation with government agencies and the public
- consideration and evaluation of alternatives
- management of potential environmental effects
Get more information on Government of Ontario Environmental Assessments HERE.
Q: What type of Environmental Assessment was the East Don Trail Study?
A: The Study was planned in accordance with the guidelines set out in the provincially approved document titled “Municipal Class Environmental Assessment” (Municipal Engineers’ Association, October 2000 as amended in 2007, 2011, and 2015) and falls within the category of a Schedule ‘C’ Class Environmental Assessment (EA).
Get more information on the Municipal Class EA process HERE.
Q: What was the purpose of the East Don Trail Study?
A: The purpose of the Study was to determine a preferred trail route within the East Don valley lands that will:
- Create a key connection route linking major trail systems
- Provide a safe way for people to access the valley system
- Provide a viable transportation route for cyclists
- Create outdoor recreational opportunities for a variety of users
Q: What is an Environmental Study Report (ESR)?
A: An Environmental Study Report (ESR) summarizes the planning and decision-making that took place during the Environmental Assessment process to determine the preferred solution.
The ESR for the East Don Trail Study was available for a 30-calendar day review period. During this review period, members of the public submitted written requests to the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks to require the City to comply with Part II of the Environmental Assessment Act. The Minister has denied the requests for the Part II and approved the Class EA.
Further details on the Part II Order process can be found HERE.
Additional information on the East Don Trail ESR can be found on HERE.
To view the ESR, please visit the Document Library.