Authorization to Release Section 37 Funds to Support the Redesign of the Vale of Avoca Ravine to Include a Missing Walking Trail Connection - by Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow

Clair area. The creek bed was protected with beautifully built ashlar walls, and flanked with lawns, gardens and trees. Walking trails were built, as well as staircases for convenient access up and down its steep sides. Since that time, the Vale of Avoca has been allowed to substantially deteriorate. The creek walls, trees and walking trails have been undermined by erosion and neglect. Few working staircases remain. Invasive species have displaced native trees, shrubs and flowers. The increasing intensity of climate breakdown storms, combined with the spread of hard surfaces, are causing ever-more rapid erosion. The valley walls are being eaten away at perhaps a foot a year, toppling trees. The remaining trails are rough, bare and often muddy. Some homes at the top of the slope are threatened. The one remaining pedestrian bridge across Yellow Creek is now at imminent risk of destruction. Patchwork repairs in 2019 were washed away in the first big storm of 2020. Since then, several major storms have done further damage, and the city continues to spend millions on short-term fixes. Toronto Water's Geomorphic Study identified the high risk of failure of a large stormwater outfall in the Vale, which they hope to repair in five years. It also confirmed that erosion is likely to accelerate. The Ravine Strategy recognizes the enormous importance of Toronto's precious ravines, and identifies many threats and opportunities, but it remains largely unfunded. The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority cannot fill the gap, since the province has cut its funding and authority. There is already substantial public demand for access to the Vale of Avoca, and this demand will soon increase sharply. Despite limited wayfinding, poor quality trails, toppled trees and missing staircases, many residents and visitors walk in the Vale seeking respite from the heat and from heavy traffic. Meanwhile, the city and the Ontario Land Tribunal have approved many thousands of new residential units close to the Vale. These units are expected to accommodate an additional 15,000 people in the next few years. If restored, the Vale would create a major increase in useable greenspace for a very dense midtown neighborhood. It could also provide an important missing trail link. The City and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority have invested in long-distance trails that allow walkers and cyclists to safely enjoy our ravines, and Evergreen has been working for years on a nearby Loop trail. A safe trail through the Vale of Avoca would provide a transit-accessible connection to the Loop, the Beltline and other well-used trails. It would make our ravines accessible to many more people, and would knit together local landmarks such as the Mount Pleasant Cemetary, David Balfour Park and Evergreen Brickworks. Given the city's very difficult financial situation, there is no reasonable prospect of this ravine being restored without an innovative approach to financing. The Midtown Ravines Group is an incorporated group of residents associations that surround the Vale of Avoca. They have volunteered to fundraise the $35-$40 million that they estimate would be required to restore the Vale to a safe, stable and beautiful condition. This could include erosion protection, slope stabilization, reestablishing safe access points, planting native vegetation, and creating a accessible trail from one end to the other. For this purpose, they require a detailed design of what is needed, what can be achieved and what it would cost. Parks and Recreation staff estimate that this detailed design will cost approximately $1.5 million and take 18 months to prepare. The successful completion of this project could take a major step towards realization of the Ravine Strategy, and provide a template for restoring some other badly damaged and heavily used ravines across the city. For all these reasons, the Ward 11 and 12 councillors have agreed to each contribute $250,000 in section 37 funds for the redesign. The remaining $1 million in capital funding required will be allocated through in-year budget adjustments by Toronto Water and Parks and Recreation.

and for the purpose of funding the detailed design of a comprehensive restoration of the Vale of Avoca Ravine, including erosion control, slope stabilization, trail access, native planting, and the creation of a continuous and accessible ravine trail.