East Don Trail Project

[TwoWheelPoli]

Here's another angle from when I took the East Don Trial this morning on the way to The Driveside's South Scarborough Loop ride. Wonder if this work will end up being done by the end of this year?

 

[Carpe Diem]

Based on the time it took for the north side of the bridge ramp to be completed, and then how quickly they paved from the tunnel to the bridge, they probably still have time to get it done, but if winter sets in laying ashphalt may be tough, though I'm no expert. None the less, the bridge will be done in a few weeks. That footing was poured last week and set over the weekend, things will move quick on the rest of it, probably another footing then ramp pieces being installed and welded. This trail is an amazing zone. Saw a few salmon running this weekend in the area.

The other projected further south is less likely to be finished I'd say. Unfortunately not a lot of work happening on the lower Don Trail, and no delivery of materials for the pedestrian ramp near Riverdale Park yet, and no progress as of this morning on the Dundas staircase. Project coordination with the trades let a lot of nice September and October work days slip by.

 

[ThenWhat]

As of today, the concrete footing for the bridge ramp is complete, but the ramp is not in place yet. Couple of weeks maybe?

 

[DSCToronto]

As of today, the concrete footing for the bridge ramp is complete, but the ramp is not in place yet. Couple of weeks maybe?

I just emailed TRCA to ask how the work is progressing, if/when I hear I will, of course, post.

 

[ThenWhat]

Now that the completion of Phase 1 is in sight, is there any progress on planning Phase 3 (a trail underneath Eglinton, to connect Phases 1 and 2)?

 

[TwoWheelPoli]

I just emailed TRCA to ask how the work is progressing, if/when I hear I will, of course, post.

I also did that last week and gave them a nudge last night since they didn't respond.

Now that the completion of Phase 1 is in sight, is there any progress on planning Phase 3 (a trail underneath Eglinton, to connect Phases 1 and 2)?

The TRCA hasn't posted anything regarding the Phase 3 trail on their website. They seriously need to get their acts together.

 

[Northern Light]

I also did that last week and gave them a nudge last night since they didn't respond.

The TRCA hasn't posted anything regarding the Phase 3 trail on their website. They seriously need to get their acts together.

In fairness to the TRCA, phase 3 was rightly put on hold because as proposed (avoiding the golf course lands and sticking to the east side of the river), it was going to be very environmentally destructive, more expensive, and would not be meet accessibility standards due to steep grades.

***

Now that the OLT decision has gone against the City on 155 St. Dennis (assuming no appeals), I expect the design to revert the trail in phase 3 to the golf course side. The design will take awhile to advance.

 

[Metroscapes]

Now that the OLT decision has gone against the City on 155 St. Dennis (assuming no appeals), I expect the design to revert the trail in phase 3 to the golf course side. The design will take awhile to advance.

To illustrate, below are some (potato quality) captures from the applicant's restoration plans, showing trails through the current golf course.

Building off of that, below if the EA-approved alignment (red) vs a theoretical alignment that sticks to the applicant's trail plans, with my interpretation of what the north end could look like (blue). It's notable that the EA was approved before all the delays associated with Metrolinx ensued, so there may be interest to whittle the originally envisioned 2 rail crossings to 1 or 0. Looking at the terrain constraints, I see this as the most feasible solution.

Even though one rail crossing is still required, I think it might be feasible to squeeze it under against the abutment, much like the northern phase did.

 

[ThenWhat]

In fairness to the TRCA, phase 3 was rightly put on hold because as proposed (avoiding the golf course lands and sticking to the east side of the river), it was going to be very environmentally destructive, more expensive, and would not be meet accessibility standards due to steep grades.

***

Now that the OLT decision has gone against the City on 155 St. Dennis (assuming no appeals), I expect the design to revert the trail in phase 3 to the golf course side. The design will take awhile to advance.

With Christmas coming, we could also ask for another present --- Phase 4 north of Lawrence, connected to Betty Sutherland. But that will not happen in our lifetime. Another golf course in that space.

 

[Northern Light]

With Christmas coming, we could also ask for another present --- Phase 4 north of Lawrence, connected to Betty Sutherland. But that will not happen in our lifetime. Another golf course in that space.

Regrettably, the TRCA snuck in an extension to the lease on the lands they let Donalda use some years ago, long before they were up for renewal and didn't use the opportunity as leverage to obtain a trail ROW.

****

Here's a link to the approval I note above:

https://trca.ca/app/uploads/2016/04/05-16-ReportPackage-Executive-Committee_Jul08_2016.pdf Lease was extended from 2035 to 2060

From the above:

**

The parcels in question:

And this one:

****

When John Tory announced the Loop Trail I'm not sure if his people envisioned going the through Donalda or following the Mx ROW.

That would require a 'present' from Mx..... but there is space, for the most part, so long as it remains single track. Most of the ROW is in the 40M+ range.

 

[TwoWheelPoli]

Finally got an update from city staff this morning regarding the remaining East Don Trail Phase 1 works. They expect the TRCA's project website to be updated soon.

Metric is currently placing the granular base for the remaining 1.2 km of trail, with paving scheduled for next week, weather permitting. The southwest approach structure is also expected to be completed next week.

By mid-November, Metric will begin work on the 80m access route (from the Taylor-Massey Creek Bridge to Charles Sauriol Park). This work will include removals, grading, installation of armourstone walls, paving, decorative bollards, and trail gates.

We anticipate that the majority of the work will be completed before the end of the year, weather permitting. Some restoration activities, terraseeding, and coloured paving will be deferred to early spring.

 

[pawlyshyn]

Finally got an update from city staff this morning regarding the remaining East Don Trail Phase 1 works. They expect the TRCA's project website to be updated soon.

No word about the big bridge leading off the Taylor Creek Trail?

 

[TwoWheelPoli]

If you have some time this afternoon, please e-mail councilmeeting@toronto.ca (and CC your councillor) urging them not to appeal the 155 Saint Dennis Drive decision (CC34.3) in order to help future proof Phase 3 of the East Don Trail. Thanks @Metroscapes for your analysis on this matter.

Agenda Item History 2025.CC34.3

Agenda Item History 2025.CC34.3

secure.toronto.ca

 

[TwoWheelPoli]

Checked out the East Don Trail (and The Meadoway) yesterday and unfortunately, Bridge #2 and the final paving were still not done. Likely delayed by the November 9 snowstorm. However, I noticed some orange paint markings were put in place while some of the exposed dirt now has grass filling in. More on my blog.

If any of you catch the bridge and/or paving being done, by all means let me know.

 

[mburrrrr]

They were not working yesterday but they have not pulled off site and it looks like they are ready to come back anyday.
Accuweather says let’s start on Monday!

They will finish all that work and then probably finish this bridge.

Assuming this stone delivery messed up the nicely finished trail edge from here to Bermondsey?