John Wilson, Task Force Member

City of Toronto Archives, Series 725, File 12 (MT00092C), River Don Straightening Plan Shewing Lands to be Expropriated, May 7, 1888 Click on image for a larger version

Bring Back the Don wants to be a catalyst for a new vision of the most challenging part of the Don. We call it the Lower Don Narrows, that section of the river valley between Gerrard and Queen Streets.

North of the Narrows, the valley broadens into parkland that stretches to the headwaters. To the south, the challenging sections near the river mouth - the Port Lands and the West Don Lands - are getting plenty of attention. But, a healthy river cannot sustain itself with a section in the middle that is so relentlessly unnatural.

The first problem is that the river has been channelized. The late 19th century, (inaccurately named) "Don Improvement" project removed the natural river bends, the soft, vegetated edges and the wetlands on the bottomland. City leaders hoped barges would use the channel to serve new industries. More to the point, they made room for infrastructure - railroads, roads, power corridors and pipelines. Apparently, they gave no thought to how fish, birds, land animals and plants would survive in such an altered environment.

The second problem is one of urban form - the city turned its back on it. Many buildings present a blank back wall to the river. The noise and pollution of the Don Valley Parkway dominate the landscape and repulse the senses.

The Don Narrows - 20th Century

Imagine, instead, a natural river with a vibrant estuary and profusely vegetated banks. Add to this, an urban scene where buildings graciously face the river and people flock to riverside promenades.

Computer enhancement of the Don Narrows - 21 Century?

We recognize the difficulties to develop this vision, but we notice some signs of hope. The unnaturally wide river channel is making its own softer edge with several gravel point bars that attract water fowl during low flow times, and a few hardy trees on the river banks. Several new businesses are talking to us about landscaping guidelines to improve the face they present the valley. Residential neighbourhoods nearby bring people to the valley edge.

Now, we all need to talk about a new vision for the Narrows. Bring Back the Don has started, first with a computer-enhanced view of a more natural riverbed. In March, we met at St. Matthew's Lawn Bowling Club to take another step in developing our vision. If you live or work near the valley between Gerrard and Queen Streets, we want to incorporate your knowledge and dreams. This vision is a growing thing. We will be trying to find you and all other stakeholders in the Narrows. Give us a call or drop us a line to share your vision.