Mid Humber Gap Trail Study

News & Updates

Request to City Council for Legal Advice in response to Provincial Order

City staff recently reported to City Council about the status of the Mid Humber Gap project, seeking direction for the City to litigate this matter.

The City has commenced a Notice of Application for Judicial Review in Divisional Court.

Detailed Design & Construction

Public review of the Mid Humber Gap Trail Final Report is complete. The Preferred Trail Alignment, as documented in the final report, includes an in-valley alignment, paved multi-use trail, including two pedestrian-cycle bridges with an elevated boardwalk. The next steps include the final phase of planning, detailed design and continued engagement with local stakeholders.

Following all approvals, including Toronto City Council, Ministry approval for the MCEA, and negotiation with the impacted private landowners, detailed design timeline is pending outcome of judicial review of Province request for further study through an Individual Environmental Assessment. This will be a multi-year project with construction taking two to three years until completion.

The Detailed Design phase will include, but is not limited to:

• development of detailed drawings for the preferred alignment
• construction standards and specifications
• preparation of Construction Management Plan
• geotechnical investigations
• archaeological assessment (Stage 2)
• tree inventory and preservation plan
• updating and review of hydraulic modelling

Notice of Completion (October 20, 2022)

The City of Toronto in partnership with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) has completed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment study that evaluated options and identified a preferred trail alignment that will close the existing 800 metre gap in the Humber River Trail (HRT) network just south of Mallaby Park at St. Phillips Road and the southern entrance to Crawford-Jones Memorial Park off Cardell Avenue near Weston Road.

Existing routes present safety concerns to users who are forced to detour along busy local roads that lack designated cycling infrastructure and are not fully accessible. Closing this remaining gap will provide for a continuous multi-use trail both along the HRT and in the future Loop Trail. The Loop trail is a 65 km off-road, multi-use ring that will connect multiple ravines, neighbourhoods and trail systems throughout Toronto.

The preferred trail alignment, as documented in the final report, includes an in-valley alignment, paved multi-use trail, including two pedestrian-cycle bridges with an elevated boardwalk.  City and TRCA staff will continue to consult with local stakeholders during the next phase of detailed design.

Opportunities for review

The study has been carried out under Schedule ‘B’ of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, which is an approved planning process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act.

The study report was placed on public record for a 30-day review period from October 20 to November 19, 2022. It is available for review on this web page under the Final Report tab.

Infrastructure & Environment Committee & City Council Decision (summer 2022)

On July 7, 2022, the Infrastructure & Environment Committee (IEC) endorsed IE31.11 – staff recommendations for the preferred trail alignment, an in-valley option.

On July 19, 2022, City Council adopted the preferred in-valley trail alignment that will close the existing gap in the Humber River Trail network and authorized the City to file the Mid Humber Gap Environmental Assessment (EA) Notice of Completion and post the study report for a 30-day review period. A copy of the staff report is available under IEC agenda item IE IE31.11.

Get Involved

Public consultation is an important element of the study. You will have opportunities for input at key stages throughout the project. Information about future public consultation events will be distributed by mail and posted here. If you have questions or comments, or would like to receive email project updates, please contact us at 416-338-2850 or email maogosha.pyjor@toronto.ca

Study Area

The Mid Humber Gap project area is located between two completed sections of the Humber River Trail (HRT) just south of Mallaby Park and west of St. Phillips Road and the southern entrance to Crawford-Jones Memorial Park off Cardell Avenue.

Consultation

Public Events

Consultation for the Mid Humber Gap Trail has engaged a broad range of residents, businesses, and stakeholders over two rounds of engagement.

Virtual Public Meeting 1

The City hosted a virtual public meeting on June 10, 2021 from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The meeting was attended by 77 participants who contributed to a very thoughtful and informative discussion.

Project team members presented on the study background, process and potential trail alignments. Three potential trail alignments were highlighted: in-valley (1A); hybrid in-valley and on-road (2A) and on-road (3A)..

Meeting Materials

• Presentation part 1
• Presentation part 2
• Consultation Report

Virtual Public Meeting 2

The City hosted a virtual public meeting on May 17, 2022, from 6:30 p.m. to 8:30 p.m. The meeting was attended by 89 participants who were invited to provide feedback and ask questions.

Project team members presented on the preferred trail alignment in-valley (1A).

Meeting Materials

• Presentation part 1
• Presentation part 2
• Consultation Report

Stakeholder Advisory Group

A Stakeholder Advisory Group (SAG) comprised of stakeholder representatives and local residents was formed to review and provide feedback throughout the Environment Assessment process. The SAG assists in building a consensus on the Mid Humber Gap’s primary objective – to identify a preferred multi-use trail alignment for the remaining approximately 800 metre gap in the Humber River Trail (HRT).

Meeting Summary 1

The City and TRCA presented to the SAG on Wednesday, May 5, 2021, on the SAG Terms of Reference, project background, Municipal Class Environmental Assessment process, planning context, preliminary screen matrix, and project timeline.

Comments

• Comments about private land trust and Option 1A (In-Valley) – can private landowners veto any potential alignment options that are proposed on their property
• The trail should accommodate all users and avoid conflict where possible (e.g., avoiding steep slopes and ensuring adequate width).
• Pedestrian safety concerns along a very busy Weston Road.
• Proposed trail slope concerns at Mallaby Park for Options 2A (On-Road, In-Valley) and 3A (On-Road). Steep slopes will be problematic for children and users with mobility issues.
• Flooding and erosion concerns with inquiry about studies to ensure any trail safety and longevity.
• How soon can the trail be built?
• Several SAG members voiced their preference for Option 1A over Option 2A and 3A

Staff Responses

• Metrolinx, the private land trust, and the Weston Golf and Country Club have been engaged in discussions.
• Preliminary preferred alignments that are proposed to intersect with private lands will require further discussions with impacted landowners and these discussions are ongoing.
• Option 3A is an on-road alignment with dedicated cycling facilities along Weston Road. The project team will be investigating the feasibility of this Option and the modifications and impacts required to implement a safe route along Weston Road (e.g., potential land reductions, shifting of existing utilities, etc.).
• The preliminary preferred alignments (Options 1A, 2A, and 3A) are still at the conceptual stage and will be further refined as the project progresses into the detailed evaluation phase.
• A portion of Option 1A is proposed to route along Weston Golf and Country Club property. Optimizing trail design in this area to reduce impacts to course layout will be explored as part of the MCEA process and discussions with landowners are ongoing.
• The commencement of construction will depend on the completion of the MCEA and detailed design phase, acquisition of permits and approvals, and available budget.

Meeting Summary 2

The City and TRCA presented to the SAG on Thursday, February 3, 2022, on the Preliminary Preferred Trail Alignments, Evaluation Matrix and Design Considerations for Preferred Alignment. The following key topics and staff response were discussed.

Private Land Trust and location of trail from individual’s homes

• While subject to change during detailed design, the current alignment is located within the ravine and far from the private residential properties on Humberview Crescent. Fencing will also be proposed as an additional privacy and security measure, the location and details of which will be developed in detailed design in consultation with residents.

Weston Golf and Country Club (WGCC) and potential safety risks, trail users and flood events and mitigation

• While the southern bridge and elevated boardwalk would include a protective enclosure, the decking of both structures is designed to be above more frequent flooding events. As with similar trail networks found throughout Toronto’s ravines, rigorous design, engineering, and safety standards will be applied to all structures posed within the floodplain.
• TRCA and the City have a significant network of existing trails and bridge crossings within similar ravine settings, where flooding does occur. Design standards are being followed that will minimize risk to user safety and property. Signage and other features could also be included to notify the public. The MCEA and detailed design process will include safety and mitigation measures as needed, based on existing conditions and guided by TRCA/City standards for ravine trail systems.

Preferred Trail Alignment and maintenance

• Parks, Forestry & Recreation Operations team’s responsibility to complete ongoing or emergency maintenance and garbage collection.
• Planning, design, and permitting of all infrastructure within floodplains is regulated by TRCA, which has a primary interest in protecting ravine habitat and avoiding increased risk to property and the public, The preferred alignment and crossings reflect site conditions and design guidelines typical for a number of similar projects within Toronto’s extensive ravine and trail system, including the East Don Trail and Upper Highland Creek Pan Am Path.

Bike Lane Considerations for Weston Road and facility options

• Accommodating a bi-directional cycle track would require significant modification to the existing road configuration, including private property acquisition. The Transportation Analysis undertaken as part of the MCEA indicated a significant increased risk to cycle track users and pedestrians due to a likely increase in vehicle-user conflict along driveways. In addition, if the proposal was for uni-directional cycle tracks, a safe crossing from the one-way cycle track facility to the trail would be needed, particularly at the intersection of St. Phillips and Weston Rd.
• Considering Weston Road is a busy arterial roadway near Hwy 401, lane removals may impact traffic flow including the potential to negatively impact public transit in the area.

Trail Accessibility considerations

• Several SAG members voiced their preference for Option 1A over Option 2A and 3A, primarily due to the gentler grades proposed for this alignment. Option 1A also provides an in-valley alignment, allowing users to enjoy the ravine and naturalized space.

Flooding and Erosion assessment inquiry

• As part of the MCEA process, comprehensive flood modelling and geomorphic study has been undertaken to ensure all proposed crossings are carefully sited, sufficiently sized, and appropriately designed. These studies will help determine the planning and design of the trail system and the level of protection required to ensure they are safe (e.g., scour protection measures for bridge abutments and minimum clearances for bridge decking).

Construction commencement

• The commencement of construction will depend on completing the MCEA and detailed design phase, acquisition of permits and approvals, and available budget. Given the MCEA process is planned to be completed in early 2022, construction may commence in 2024, and extend over a few years, assuming the budget, permits, and approvals have been secured.

Background & Schedule

Project History

The Mid Humber Gap Project was one of 26 projects identified in the Bikeway Trails Implementation Plan adopted by Toronto City Council in 2012 and a near-term priority in the 2019 Cycling Network Plan Update.

Stage 1 – Trail Construction and Improvement Work (Completed 2013)

In 2013, the City and Toronto & Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) completed Stage 1 of the Mid Humber Gap project. During Stage 1, a 600-metre trail was constructed to connect Mallaby Park to the HRT system and a pre-existing dirt trail was formalized into a 3.5 metre-wide paved multi-use pathway.

Stage 2 – Feasibility Study (Completed 2019)

In 2019, the City and TRCA completed Stage 2 of the Mid Humber Gap project to evaluate conceptual trail alignment options to close the remaining gap of approximately 800 m in the HRT between Mallaby Park and Crawford-Jones Memorial Park.

The Feasibility Study provides a project rationale for pursuing Stage 3 – Municipal Engineer Class EA (MCEA) Schedule B Planning Process. The Feasibility Study evaluated a range of conceptual trail alignments, culminating in a recommended “in-ravine” and “on-road” option.

Trail alignment constraints include steep grades, challenging topography and private property considerations.   These constraints increase the complexity of the project and may require construction of bridges, boardwalk structures and negotiations with private landowners. The Feasibility Study also confirmed the need to conduct a more thorough investigation via an MCEA Schedule B process.

• Mid Humber Gap Feasibility Study 2019

Stage 3 – Municipal Engineer Class Environmental Assessment Schedule B Planning Process (Ongoing)

The Mid Humber Gap is currently in Stage 3 and subject to MCEA Schedule B requirements.

Environmental Assessment Process

Building off the work already completed as part of a Feasibility Study undertaken in 2019, the planning and design of the Mid Humber Gap will follow the Schedule B requirements for a Municipal Engineer Class EA (MCEA) process. The MCEA meets the intent of the EA Act by providing for the identification of problems or opportunities; giving due regard to the need to protect the environment and minimize effects; and consulting with affected stakeholders early and throughout the decision making process (Municipal Engineers Association, amended 2015).

Evaluation Process

The study will consider the following items to determine the location and alignment for the new trail connection:

• natural environment
• residents and property owners in the focus area and the surrounding area
• user accessibility, safety and experience
• technical feasibility/constructability
• capital (upfront) and lifecycle (long-term) costs

Following the first virtual Stakeholder Advisory Group and Public Meeting, the potential connection options will be evaluated and a preferred alternative will be recommended based on the outcome of the evaluation and public feedback.

Information used in the evaluation will be collected through existing reports, field studies, input from technical advisors and subject matter experts and through public consultation.

Study Outcome

All potential alignments for the multi-use trail, both individually and collectively, will be studied in order to provide a preferred trail alignment to complete approximately 800 metres of the Humber River.

The preferred trail alignment will be decided as per a formal Environmental Assessment (EA) process and followed by design/construction programmed in future years (based on budget ability).

Property Impacts

Some of the potential multi-use trail alignments that are being proposed could involve impacts to residential and commercial properties. In some cases, the potential impact is to the City-owned right of way.

The owners of properties that are potentially impacted by multi-use trail alignments will be engaged with directly by the City of Toronto and Toronto & Region Conservation Authority (TRCA).

Private property impacts will be considered as part of the detailed evaluation criteria used to determine the recommended alignment.

Schedule

March 31, 2021

• Notice of Commencement issued by the City of Toronto and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) to identify a preferred multi-use trail alignment for the remaining gap in the Humber River Trail (HRT) just south of Mallaby Park at St. Phillips Road and the southern entrance to Crawford-Jones Memorial Park off Cardell Avenue. Notification was circulated to everyone in the study area which is bounded by the 401 (north), Lawrence Street (south), Islington Avenue (west) and Pelmo Park/Elm Street (east).

April 2021

• Identify Preliminary Preferred Trail Alignments

June 10, 2021

• Public Information Centre 1

November 2021 – March 2022

• Stakeholder and public consultation on the preliminary preferred
• Evaluation and Selection of Preferred Alignment

May 2022

• Public Information Centre 2
• Refine Conceptual Design of Preferred Alignment

Summer 2022

• Finalize and Submit Project File Report
• Issue Notice of Completion

Final Report

The study has been carried out under Schedule ‘B’ of the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment, which is an approved planning process under the Ontario Environmental Assessment Act. A Final report was available for a 30-day review period from October 20 to November 19, 2022.  See Notice of Study Completion.

Executive Summary

Chapter 1 Introduction

Chapter 2 Environmental Assessment Process

Chapter3 Consultation Strategy

Chapter4 Planning Context and Opportunity Statement

Chapter 5 Existing Conditions Part 1

Chapter 5 Existing Conditions Part 2

Chapter 6 Evaluation of Trail Alignment Concepts

Chapter 7 Alternative Design Concepts for Preferred Trail Alignment

Chapter 8 Description of Preferred Trail Alignment Concept

Chapter 9 Environmental Impacts and Mitigation

Chapter 10 Permits and Approvals

Chapter 11 Future Work

Chapter 12 Potential for Future Amendment

Chapter 13 References

Chapter 14 Glossary

For a copy of any of the appendices, please contact us.