Taylor Massey Creek Park Planning
The Taylor Massey Creek is a tributary of the Don River, situated within a heavily urbanized section of Toronto, immediately east of the confluence of the West and East Don Rivers.
A planning process for Taylor Massey Creek was approved by Parks and Environment Committee on June 2, 2015, and City Council on July 7, 2015. Based on preliminary discussions with stakeholders, the process has been divided into three phases:
- Status Report
- Taylor Massey Sub-Watershed Master Plan Update
- Taylor Creek Park Management Plan
Taylor Creek Park Management Plan
Building upon the recommendations of the Master Plan, the Taylor Creek Park Management Plan will identify management initiatives to address park-scale concerns regarding erosion, watercourse, landfills, vegetation, trails and signage.
We will be proposing and prioritizing projects and timelines for the preservation, improvement, on-going and future management, maintenance, and public use of Taylor Creek Park, recognizing the recreational uses and the natural environment of the park.
Through the identification and evaluation of relationships and responsibility, a governance structure for ongoing staff coordination and public engagement will be proposed for future project implementation.
Taylor Creek Sub-Watershed Master Plan
The Taylor Massey Master Plan is a sub-watershed scale plan for the improvement, management, maintenance and public use of the parkland along Taylor Massey Creek. The Master Plan considers the study area’s diversity of features and functions and their interconnectedness, including natural areas, park infrastructure, recreational amenities, trails, stormwater facilities and other utilities.
Final Report
Download the final Taylor Massey Sub-Watershed Master Plan report.
Appendices
- Appendix A – Consultation Summary Reports
- Appendix B – Background Analysis Mapping (Areas 1 – 8)
- Appendix C – Opportunities and Constraints Mapping
- General Ecological Description of Study Area
- ELC Classifications
- Flora: Rare Species and Species Sensitivity
- Watershed and Watercourse Enhancement Opportunities
- Trails Systems and Cultural Heritage Enhancement Opportunities
- Cultural Resources and Archaeological Potential
- Natural Heritage and Ecological Enhancement Opportunities
- Appendix D – Environmental Land Classification Plant Lists
- Appendix E – Toronto and Region Conservation Authority Erosion Data
Taylor Creek Sub-Watershed Master Plan
Community Meeting – June 21, 2017
The Taylor Massey community was invited to review the Opportunities and Constraints and help develop Guiding Principles for the Master Plan Update at a public meeting held on Wednesday, June 21, 2017. Access the Community Meeting Summary Report and Presentation Panels that were used at the meeting:
- Community Meeting Summary Report
- Characterization of Study Area
- Cultural Resources and Archeological Potential
- Recreational Resources and Trails
- Geomorphic Issues and Constraints
- Ecological Land Classifications
- Biodiversity: Flora and Fauna
- Flora: Rare Species and Species Sensitivity
Taylor Creek Park Management Plan
Public Meeting – October 3, 2018
This meeting provided an update on the Taylor Massey Creek planning process and allowed the community to provide feedback on the proposed themes, strategies and potential projects. Download materials from the meeting:
- Summary Report
- Presentation Slides
- Trails and Access Points map
- Ecology and Natural Systems map
- Stormwater map
Online Survey – July 26 to August 16, 2018
A map-based online survey was conducted to gather information on public use, opportunities and constraints.The summary can be read online.
Pop-up in the Park – July 27 and July 28, 2018
On July 27, 2018 in the afternoon and July 28, 2018 in the morning, Pop-up in the Park events were held at Taylor Creek Park, just north of Stan Wadlow Park.
Community Meeting – March 21, 2018
The Management Plan process was launched at the “What’s Happening in our Ravines” community meeting at Stan Wadlow Clubhouse.
Online Survey – February 1 – 22, 2019
A second map-based survey was conducted to present the recommendations and proposed projects, to gauge public support and gather feedback. Summary report of findings to be posted in March.
Proposed solutions include the following:
Wetland Creation and Looped Trail at Coxwell Ravine
The existing washroom (just east of O’Connor) is to be removed and there is an opportunity to remove invasive species and create a new wetland for improved flood storage and enhanced habitat potential.
Bridge Replacement and Weir Removals
Within the creek weirs that function as in-water vehicle crossing structures act as barriers to fish migration and should be considered for removal wherever feasible. The adjacent bridges should also be replaced with wider steel structures to accommodate maintenance vehicles.
Wetland Creation and Washroom Removal (East of O’Connor)
The existing washroom (just east of O’Connor) is to be removed and there is an opportunity to remove invasive species and create a new wetland for improved flood storage and enhanced habitat potential.
Hydro Trail Improvements and Wetland Protections
A new gravel trail is proposed along the Hydro corridor, to help reduce impacts on the adjacent sensitive wetland areas. Educational signage and a 10 m buffer zone will help protect this high-quality habitat.
Proposed New Boardwalk (along Goulding Estate Trail)
Within the Goulding Estate, there is a drainage problem causing ponding water across the trail. Solutions could include new culverts or elevating as a boardwalk, to enable the creek to flow beneath, but will need to consider impacts to pedestrian, cycling and vehicle access.
Other Trail Improvements
In some locations, the multi-use trail needs improvements to fix drainage problems and degraded asphalt. Ongoing maintenance will be required to keep adjacent ditches and culverts clear.
Please stay tuned for further updates on the Taylor Creek Park Management Plan process.