In summer 2025, the City of Toronto is replacing a 90+ year old retaining wall on Halford Avenue. The new retaining wall system will use modern construction methods that meet today’s engineering standards. The work will involve:
The project is expected to take from September 2025 to December 2025.
Work can take place from 7 a.m. to 7 p.m., Monday to Friday, with work after hours and on weekends as required.
Please follow your normal routine. If required, the contractor will move bins to an appropriate location and return them. Please ensure that you label your bins with your address.
The City makes an effort to minimize the number of trees that are impacted by construction. Tree removals related to construction are reviewed by Urban Forestry and require approval. Trees within the construction zone that will not be removed are protected.
To carry out this project, 15 trees need to be removed for construction of the new retaining walls. To mitigate the impact, new native trees will be planted at the site in addition to new trees being planted elsewhere to make up the difference, at the discretion of Urban Forestry in parks and ravine areas.
The City’s contractor must ensure safe and accessible walkways and entryways are maintained for everyone during construction. Any temporary access disruptions will be communicated as soon as possible. If you experience a disruption, have a specific access need or related accommodation request, contact the person listed on this web page.
See the Construction Notice for more details.
Road users should expect delays and increased traffic on nearby main and side streets. Motorists are reminded that bicycles and cars will be sharing the lane. When driving, please be mindful of vulnerable road users.
Local traffic will be allowed on Halford Avenue only. The street will be closed at 27 Halford Avenue.
The contractor will notify you of any temporary restrictions to your driveway access.
Inspection revealed that the existing stone wall on Halford Avenue was beginning to fail. The City installed jersey barriers to prevent debris from falling on the roadway.
Geotechnical investigation and slope stability analysis revealed that the existing stone wall did not meet modern engineering criteria and a modern retaining wall system would need to be constructed. To construct the new retaining wall, it was identified that permanent and temporary easements with the adjacent property owners would be required for construction and future maintenance.
City staff began communication with the impacted homeowners to acquire the easements through a negotiated agreement. However, the negotiations were stalled, and the City began the expropriation process. In late 2023, the expropriation process was completed.
In 2024, City staff started the tendering process to award the construction contract. On February 19, 2025, the Bid Award Panel awarded the contract to Bronte Construction.