Keeping our environment on track: requesting Metrolinx to conduct more analysis and plan for environmental stewardship in Small’s Creek and Williamson Ravines - by Councillor Brad Bradford, seconded by Councillor Jennifer McKelvie

Their objective is to make sure this much-needed transit expansion is completed in a way that meets the highest possible standards of environmental sustainability, and represents the best available approach to planning for the effective stewardship of this critical creek, ravine ecosystem and wetland. The community has come together as parents, community activists, planners, artists, geotechnical and civil engineers, architects, forestry ecologists, landscape architects, lawyers, and designers, to propose alternative design concepts and to call on Metrolinx to improve their approach overall. The current design proposes an extensive concrete retaining wall and culvert reconstruction which is deemed necessary for safe construction of the fourth track. Using their technical expertise, members of the Friends of Small's Creek advocate for an alternative approach that would preserve more of the approximately 260 trees to be cleared for this project. The community's proposal could also allow for an opportunity to reconnect important ravine ecosystems on the north and south sides of the existing track. Doing so would take important steps in protecting, preserving and enhancing our natural heritage as advocated for by key City policy documents like the Toronto Ravine Strategy. This Motion requests City Council's support in asking Metrolinx to explore all available engineering options for the proposed work, and to continue engaging the community to achieve important environmental and social objectives as this necessary work moves forward.

3. City Council request Metrolinx to provide a proactive ecological restoration and stewardship plan for the Small's Creek ravine in advance of significant work impacting mature trees and a wooded ravine slope, taking guidance from the United Nation's Nature-Based Solutions approach and other relevant standards and best practices.