Lake Ontario Waterfront

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has jurisdiction over 72 kilometres of Lake Ontario waterfront. We are committed to preserving and enhancing the health and beauty of this entire shoreline.

NOTICE OF CAUTION: Scarborough Bluffs

Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) cautions members of the public who walk along or up/down the Scarborough Bluffs and shoreline, trails (formal and informal), and edges of the Scarborough Bluffs.

The Bluffs are comprised of various sediments, including silt, sand and clay and are therefore very unstable and susceptible to collapsing at any moment.

The Bluffs are unstable due to several natural processes, incuding wave action from Lake Ontario, surface water runoff and over-steepening of the slope face to precipitation, wind, and freeze-thaw cycle. The Bluffs are affected by these natural processes all year long.

Members of the public must proceed with caution when visiting the Bluffs, stay back from the edge of the Bluffs, and respect all barriers and signage in the area for your safety.

TRCA’s area of jurisdiction on the waterfront extends from the City of Toronto/City of Mississauga border in the west to the Town of Ajax/Town of Whitby border in the east.

Across this shoreline, nine watersheds drain into Lake Ontario: Etobicoke Creek, Mimico Creek, Humber River, Don River, Highland Creek, Rouge River, Duffins Creek, Petticoat Creek, and Carruthers Creek.

mouth of Mimico Creek
The mouth of Mimico Creek.

The sediment that makes up the Toronto Region shoreline is generally a mixture of sands, silts, clays, tills, and gravels, all of which are highly erodible. As a result, the shoreline has been — and continues to be — modified by wave action, ground water conditions, wind erosion and numerous other factors. Serious loss of property and threats to homes, roads and services can and have occurred as a result of these processes.

TRCA works to maintain shoreline protection and restore terrestrial and aquatic habit along the shoreline,  while providing recreational opportunities through the design and construction of waterfront parks. Integrated shoreline management is essential to efforts to achieve a waterfront that is clean, green, accessible, diverse and attractive.