Undertaken by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) in partnership with the City of Toronto, the project will see the creation of additional accessible community greenspaces, enhanced shoreline protection, and habitat improvements along an 11-kilometre shoreline multi-use trail for users of all abilities between Bluffer’s Park and East Point Park.
The Scarborough Bluffs feature habitat for a wide variety of fish, birds, and other wildlife. As such, the Scarborough Waterfront Project will be designed to balance the reality of creating a key linkage for the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail in Canada’s largest urban centre with protecting and creating higher-quality wildlife habitat.
The project will also prevent shoreline erosion caused by high lake levels and severe weather events, manage public safety and property risk, and improve water quality.
“For the citizens of Scarborough and the Greater Toronto Area, the Scarborough Bluffs represent a strikingly beautiful natural greenspace where they can gather with friends and family and enjoy nature,” said John MacKenzie, chief executive officer of TRCA. “By adding much-needed community recreation space, completing portions of the Lake Ontario Waterfront Trail, creating habitat, and increasing shoreline erosion protection, the Scarborough Waterfront Project will create a legacy for generations to come.”
With the Scarborough Waterfront Project’s environmental assessment now approved, the project will be built in phases, with TRCA pursuing all available opportunities for funding.
Detailed design of the West Segment of the Scarborough Waterfront Project (from Bluffer’s Park to Meadowcliffe) is slated to begin in November 2019 and continue through 2020, with construction anticipated to begin in 2020. Implementation of the Central and East Segments of the project will follow.
Header image credit: Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA)
