Collaborative Greenspace Initiative Unites Scarborough with a Transformative Trail Connection
October 26, 2023, Toronto, ON — On October 20, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), in partnership with the City of Toronto, the Government of Canada, and Weston Family Foundation, celebrated the grand opening of a highly anticipated new trail connection in The Meadoway at Highland Creek.
This 2-kilometre stretch of multi-use trail, surrounded by 16 hectares of restored meadow, connects Military Trail to Neilson Avenue.
Along this picturesque route, visitors will traverse an iconic pedestrian bridge overlooking the annual salmon run, stroll across an elevated boardwalk over a significant wetland, and wind through a scenic switchback that showcases the beauty of the surrounding community and valley.
Set against a backdrop of vibrant fall foliage, the ribbon-cutting ceremony attracted such distinguished guests as The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Rouge Park; John MacKenzie, TRCA’s Chief Executive Officer; Jennifer McKelvie, Deputy Mayor of Toronto, Toronto City Councillor and Member of TRCA’s Board of Directors; Paul Ainslie, Toronto City Councillor and Chair of TRCA’s Board of Directors; Lara O’Donnell, Executive Director, Weston Family Foundation; and Mrs. Camilla Dalglish, Board Director, Weston Family Foundation.
Their remarks highlighted the trail’s significance for Scarborough and the broader region, emphasizing its pivotal role in fostering community ties.
As rapid urban expansion places increased pressure on the greenspaces in the Greater Toronto Area (GTA) and spurs the loss of valuable natural habitats, contributing to the reduction of biodiversity, this trail provides a safe and ecologically rich connection for pedestrians, cyclists, and nature enthusiasts alike.
The trail connection is part of The Meadoway project, a transformative initiative that aims to evolve an underutilized hydro corridor in Scarborough into one of the region’s largest greenspaces.
Upon completion, the hydro corridor will become one of Canada’s largest linear urban parks, providing a naturalized link between Rouge National Urban Park and downtown Toronto.
The Meadoway also offers opportunities for recreational activities, promoting physical and mental health for surrounding communities and beyond while safeguarding our natural habitats and the wildlife they support.
The Meadoway project is a part of TRCA’s Trail Strategy (2019) and was made possible through a collaborative effort between TRCA, the City of Toronto, the Government of Canada, and the Weston Family Foundation.
Quotes:
“The Meadoway exemplifies the powerful, collaborative, community-building projects that TRCA is proud to champion. By transforming an underutilized hydro corridor into an ecologically rich greenspace, we are creating a haven for our local wildlife and offering valuable recreational and educational opportunities to residents and visitors. This initiative strengthens community ties, boosts the physical and mental well-being of surrounding communities, and demonstrates our commitment to environmental stewardship in the region.”
— John MacKenzie, Chief Executive Officer, TRCA
“Biking from the heart of Scarborough to downtown Toronto via entirely green space was made possible by the Meadoway, and today, we’re connecting even more communities. The Meadoway is a great example of the power of community. It gives families more access to green space right in our backyards, while cleaning our air, supporting local wildlife, and helping people get around in cleaner ways. Thank you to Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, the City of Toronto, the Weston Family Foundation, and all the partners that made this possible. The Government of Canada is proud to be a partner in this great project.”
— The Honourable Gary Anandasangaree, Member of Parliament for Scarborough-Rouge Park
“The opening of the new trail connection in The Meadoway marks a significant milestone for our city. It not only offers a beautiful and accessible space for residents and visitors to enjoy but also demonstrates what can be achieved through strong partnerships and a shared commitment to our environment. The trail will unite neighbourhoods and promote a deeper connection between our communities and the natural world. Congratulations to TRCA, the Government of Canada and the Weston Family Foundation for their contributions towards creating a vibrant and sustainable future for Toronto.”
— Jennifer McKelvie, Deputy Mayor of Toronto, Toronto City Councillor, Scarborough-Rouge Park, and Member of TRCA’s Board of Directors
“I am privileged to experience The Meadoway weaving through my Ward, enriching our community with an interconnected trail and a space for residents and visitors to enjoy the many physical and mental health benefits that come with being outside in nature. The Meadoway represents a collaborative dedication from all partners involved to a greener and more connected urban environment. It serves as an excellent example of what can be accomplished through our joint efforts and investments in a shared future.”
— Paul Ainslie, Toronto City Councillor, Scarborough-Guildwood and Chair of TRCA’s Board of Directors
“The Meadoway serves as a tremendous example of how to transform an underutilized outdoor space to create a more biodiverse ecosystem that benefits communities and enriches lives. The Weston Family Foundation is proud to support this initiative and how this unique project can serve as a blueprint for other Canadian cities to follow.”
— Garfield Mitchell, Chair of the Weston Family Foundation
About Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
Since 1957, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), as enabled through the provincial Conservation Authorities Act, has taken action to enhance our region’s natural environment and protect our land, water, and communities from the impacts of flooding and increasingly extreme weather events – Ontario’s leading cause of public emergencies.
As the region’s first line of defence against natural hazards, TRCA maintains vital infrastructure and provides programs and services that promote public health and safety, protecting people and property.
TRCA mobilizes a science-based approach to provide sound policy advice, leveraging its position as a not-for-profit operating in the broader public sector to achieve collective impacts within our communities and across all levels of government.
TRCA’s jurisdiction includes nine watersheds and their Lake Ontario shorelines, spanning six upper-tier and fifteen lower-tier municipalities and representing almost five million people, approximately 10% of Canada’s population.
To learn more about TRCA, visit trca.ca.
Media Contact
Afiya Jilani
Specialist, Communication and Media Relations
Communications, Marketing and Events
afiya.jilani@trca.ca