The City of Toronto, Urban Forestry, in cooperation with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), will be undertaking the restoration and revitalization of Chester Springs Marsh, located along the Lower Don Trail, south of the Bloor Viaduct. The City of Toronto has been able to leverage funding received through the Federal Natural Infrastructure Fund (NIF) to pursue the detailed design and construction of these improvements.
First constructed in 1996, Chester Springs Marsh is a 3-hectare restored wetland habitat, one of the first major wetland restoration projects in the Don Valley undertaken by the City of Toronto in partnership with the Task Force to Bring Back the Don. Age-related impacts to the original wetland infrastructure have resulted in decreased water retention capacity, and a subsequent reduction in habitat quality and species diversity. This project will improve water retention on site, and will undertake the planting of native species, invasive species management, along with other habitat enhancement efforts, to restore and improve the wetland habitat.
A new lookout and rest node will also be constructed off the Lower Don Trail. The lookout will provide an enjoyable user experience, allowing visitors to step off the busy main trail, and view the wetland habitat. Lookout features include both interpretive and Indigenous place-keeping elements, highlighting Chester Springs Marsh as an important feature within the Lower Don landscape. The lookout was designed to conform with HydroOne requirements, be vandal resistant, accessible, and easily maintained.
Construction mobilization is expected to begin in late April 2024, and to be completed July 2024. In order to minimize impacts to trail users, all efforts have been made to pursue construction at Chester Springs Marsh during the existing closure of the Lower Don Trail for on-going trail and access works south of Riverdale Park (expected to re-open in late summer 2024). Any outstanding works at Chester Springs Marsh outside of this closure window should not require additional closure of the trail. Project signage, including relevant contact information for the public will be installed at the project site.
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