Burke Brook Restoration Project

Description of Service/Summary

The purpose of this project is to stop severe creek erosion that is threatening the City’s underground sanitary sewer system. By stabilizing the banks of Burke Brook, we are protecting critical infrastructure and ensuring the long-term safety of the ravine for future use. Following creek stabilization, new boardwalk and trail infrastructure will be installed along the north side of Burke Brook that will enhance the ravine system, providing a safe and sustainable experience for the public to enjoy.

Status

Planning & Design Phase (No active construction yet)

Timing

Phase 1 (2028 to 2031):

Toronto Water/Engineering & Construction Services will complete a construction project to restore the creek and protect sewer infrastructure. 

Phase 2 (2031 to 2032):

Urban Forestry will complete a construction project to install a new boardwalk and trail connection between Bayview and Sunnybrook Park. 

Trail Access (2026 to 2032):

The area will remain closed until Phase 2 has been completed to ensure public safety.

What the Work Involves

Phase 1:

• Adjusting the Creek Bed: Allowing water to flow safely and allow for healthy creek habitat.
• Reinforcing Creek Banks: Using large protective rocks (called armourstone) and deep-rooted plants to stop the soil from washing away, protecting the creek and sewer infrastructure.
• Improving the Access Road: Evaluating whether the temporary construction road from Bayview Ave can be made into a permanent path for future maintenance and trail use.

Phase 2:

• Replacing Boardwalk Infrastructure: The old boardwalk section in disrepair will be removed and replaced by a new, stronger boardwalk structure. This boardwalk section runs north of the creek from Sunnybrook Park Trail to Sunnybrook Outfall.
• Connecting the Trail: The boardwalk trail will be connected over the Sunnybrook Outfall through to Bayview Ave, resulting in a full trail connection along the north side of Burke Brook. This trail section will be at ground level and will make use of the construction road created in Phase 1.
• Restoring the Forest: Once all phases of construction are complete, ecosystem restoration, including the planting of native trees and shrubs, will be undertaken to improve the ecosystem of Burke Brook.

Key Questions

Why This Work is Necessary?

The creek is ‘eating away’ at the land.

If the City does not act:

1. Sewer Failure: Major underground sanitary sewers could break, causing service disruptions and environmental damage.
2. Safety: The banks will continue to collapse, further undermining the damaged trail.
3. Habitat Loss: Erosion will continue to degrade the natural environment for local fish and plants.

Once stabilization is complete, the creek, boardwalks and trail improvements will enhance:

4. Connectivity: Once watercourse stabilization work is complete, installing a new boardwalk and trail connection between Bayview and Sunnybrook Park will improve user experience and connectivity.
5. Sustainability: Building sustainable trail infrastructure in sensitive ecosystems helps protect these areas from damage by managing foot traffic and off-trail use.

Why is the trail/boardwalk closed now if construction starts in 2028?

The area is currently closed because the creek banks are unstable and dangerous due to severe erosion. In addition, erosion and environmental factors have undermined the safety and stability of the boardwalk. It is a safety risk to use the trail and boardwalk.

When will the trail reopen?

The area is expected to reopen to the public in 2032. The area must remain closed for public safety reasons until the project is completed. 

Is this being managed as one project?

No. This two-phase project is being implemented by two separate City departments. Toronto Water/Engineering & Construction Services is overseeing the creek stabilization project and Urban Forestry is overseeing the boardwalk and trail construction. There is strong coordination between the two departments to ensure efficient delivery.

Who do I contact if I have questions?

Please refer to the chart below to determine who to contact: