Don Valley Brick Works Park – Mud Creek Inlet Restoration

As a result of construction, users can expect reduced access to the Belt Line Trail and DVBW trails. See Trail Impact & Detours for more information.

 

The City, in cooperation with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), is restoring the Mud Creek Inlet at Don Valley Brick Works (DVBW) Park.

As a result of the storm event on July 16, 2024, the embankment that separates Mud Creek from the DVBW Park wetlands overtopped and breached, resulting in failure of the embankment, and permanent damage to the water inlet and cascade feature. Following emergency stabilization, a permanent fix will now be undertaken to restore the inlet.

  • Summer 2024: Emergency patch complete
  • September 2025: Construction of permanent inlet restoration starts
  • February 2026: Anticipated construction completion
  • Fall 2026 (tentative): Additional wetland enhancements in DVBW Park

September 2025 – Inlet construction begins

Work will begin on the permanent fix to the Mud Creek Inlet at DVBW Park. Work is anticipated to be complete February 2026.

Work will include the repair of critical inlet infrastructure to restore stability to the Mud Creek channel and water flow between Mud Creek and DVBW ponds.

Summer 2024 – Emergency patch repair

Emergency works have been completed to temporarily stabilize the embankment, and engineer inspections cleared the boardwalk as safe for public access.

The City, in cooperation with TRCA, have begun work to develop a resilient design solution to permanently restore function and stability to the site, ensuring the health of the wetlands. Implementation is scheduled for fall 2025.

Construction access is required along the Belt Line Trail and within Don Valley Brick Works Park, and will impact both trail systems for the duration of the project (anticipated September 2025- February 2026):

Trail impacts and detours along the Belt Line Trail will be in effect during construction hours (7 a.m. – 4:30 p.m.). Fencing will be opened to users outside of construction hours (evenings, overnight, and weekends) along the Belt Line Trail, and Chorley Park Switchback.

Access to Don Valley Brick Works Park from the Belt Line Trail will remain limited to the north and south entrances for the duration of the project.

See map below for details.

Detour Route

  • A detour route around the work zone will be available for users through DVBW park trails.
    • The north and south access points to DVBW will remain open
    • Two access points to DVBW from the Belt Line (the stairs and associated switchback) will remain closed throughout construction
    • Some trails and areas within DVBW will also be closed to facilitate this work, but alternative routes and trails will remain open throughout the park

Belt Line Trail Impacts

  • The Belt Line Trail is required as the main construction access route, and will be largely inaccessible to users between Bayview Ave and Governor’s Bridge.
    • The main width of the belt line is required for frequent movement of large construction vehicles.
    • A narrow, unassumed bypass along the fence line will be available for pedestrians.
      • This trail is very narrow (~1m clearance), with uneven terrain.
      • This trail is not considered accessible, and is not suitable for bikes, strollers, or mobility devices.
      •  Users unable to navigate narrow, uneven terrain should utilize the main detour route through Don Valley Brick Works Park

Chorley Park Access

  • Access between the Belt Line Trail / Don Valley Brick Works Park from Chorley Park will be significantly limited
    • At the base of Chorley Switchback, only a narrow, unassumed pedestrian bypass is available to connect users to the Belt Line Trail and Don Valley Brick Works Park.
      • This trail is very narrow (~1m clearance), with uneven terrain.
      • This trail is not considered accessible, and is not suitable for bikes, strollers, or mobility devices.

Project information, and detour maps/signage will be installed on site.

Map showing main construction area in dotted square, Moore Ave to the north, Chorley Park to the east and Bayview Ave to the south, Along with a legend showing an orange line for the pedestrian detour and Don Valley brick works park access, the unassumed belt line bypass - uneven narrow passage, and a dotted red line showing trail closed.
Detour Map – Map of Project Area and Trail Detour Information

As a result of the storm event on July 16, 2024, the embankment that separates Mud Creek from the DVBW wetlands overtopped and breached. This resulted in the ultimate failure of the embankment, significant erosion and permanent damage to the water inlet and associated cascade feature. In 2024, emergency works were undertaken to temporarily stabilize the embankment, and engineer inspections cleared the boardwalk as safe for public access.

Mud Creek Inlet water cascade feature as originally built in 2020 at Don Valley Brick Works Park. The photo shows a rocky water cascade feature outletting water down a slope, and under a new boardwalk. There are larger and smaller rocks that make up the cascade. New trees and shrubs have been planted around it.
Photo of the Mud Creek Inlet water cascade feature at Don Valley Brick Works Park, prior to July 2024 flood damage.
Mud Creek Inlet damage after the July 2024 flooding event, taken from the boardwalk below. The photo shows a large break in the embankment, and a jumble of displaced materials from the inlet, including rocks and culverts. Damage is significant and the inlet is not in operation.
Photo taken from the boardwalk below of the Mud Creek Inlet after July 2024 flooding event.
A large area of fine sediment wash-out following the Mud Creek Inlet damage caused by flooding in July 2024. A large area of granular material has flowed underneath a boardwalk and into the ponds.
Photo of fine sediment wash-out following July 2024 flooding event.
Mud Creek Inlet damage after the July 2024 flooding event. The photo was taken the top of bank off the Belt Line Trail. The photo shows a large break in the embankment, and a jumble of displaced materials from the inlet, including rocks and broken culverts. Damage is significant and the inlet is not in operation.
Photo taken from the top of the bank of the Mud Creek Inlet after the July 2024 flooding event.

Now, the City, in cooperation with TRCA, have developed a permanent and resilient design solution to restore function and stability to the site, ensuring the health of the wetlands. Construction will begin on this restoration project in September 2025. The work is anticipated to be complete February 2026.

Work will include the repair of critical inlet infrastructure to restore stability to the Mud Creek channel, and water flow between Mud Creek and DVBW ponds. The completed project will resemble the original inlet water cascade feature, with the addition of a robust spillway to protect slope stability during possible future flooding/overtopping events. Sediment management will also be undertaken to re-use or remove fine sediment wash-out from the original flooding event. Sediment reused on site will be targeted for turtle nesting habitat.

Following inlet repairs, future works will address additional wetland enhancements within DVBW, including culvert and habitat feature improvements. These works will be communicated in 2026.

Artist rendering of the restored Mud Creek Inlet at Don Valley Brick Works Park. The new design shows a water outfall with a rock water cascade feature beside a vegetated spillway designed to accommodate for the potential of future flooding or overtopping events.
Rendering of restored Mud Creek Inlet feature at DVBW Park. The new design will feature a robust spillway to help protect against potential future flooding/overtopping.