Funding for the Toronto Waterfront Erosion Hazard Mitigation Project has been announced by Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, member of parliament for Beaches—East York, and Jennifer Innis, chair of the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority’s (TRCA) Board of Directors.
“TRCA is committed to working with all levels of government to develop stronger and safer communities by repairing erosion damage and making the shoreline more resilient to future flooding and severe weather events,” said John MacKenzie, chief executive officer of TRCA. “The generous funding contributed to the Toronto Waterfront Erosion Hazard Mitigation Project by Infrastructure Canada and the City of Toronto will allow TRCA to undertake necessary erosion protection and restoration works for priority sites across 10 kilometres of Toronto’s Lake Ontario Waterfront.”
The Toronto Waterfront Erosion Hazard Mitigation Project will rehabilitate 80 structural assets along the north shore of Lake Ontario, from Etobicoke to Scarborough. Major rehabilitation will enhance the resiliency of the Lake Ontario shoreline to endure ongoing erosion risks and the increased impact of flooding events.
Once complete, this project will ensure that parks, trails, beaches, navigation channels and essential municipal infrastructure are protected from current and predicted erosion threats. The project will increase the resilience of over 10 kilometres of Toronto’s Lake Ontario shoreline, including major community spaces like Bluffer’s Park, Ashbridges Bay Park and Colonel Sam Smith Park, benefiting both residents and visitors to Toronto’s waterfront.
“Extreme weather events are becoming more and more common in Canadian towns and cities,” said Nathaniel Erskine-Smith, member of parliament for Beaches—East York. “It is time to take concrete steps to adapt to the impacts of climate change to ensure a safe, prosperous future for our families, our businesses, and the environment. The waterfront erosion project will enhance the resiliency of the Lake Ontario shoreline while also ensuring that Toronto residents continue to enjoy the beautiful parks, beaches, and trails across the city.”
The Government of Canada is investing over $33.7 million through the Disaster Mitigation and Adaptation Fund and the City of Toronto is contributing more than $50.6 million.
