Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is undertaking repair and remediation works on an erosion control structure in Ashbridges Bay Park in order to provide long-term protection to the shoreline and the park interior.
Project Location
The Project Area is within Ashbridges Bay Park at the intersection of Coxwell Avenue and Lake Shore Boulevard East, on the north shore of Lake Ontario, in the City of Toronto. The area of concern is the southeast facing cobble and concrete rubble beach located south of the marina situated between two headlands.
The project is being funded in part by the City of Toronto Parks, Forestry and Recreation Division and by Infrastructure Canada’s Disaster Mitigation Adaptation Fund, as part of a City-wide shoreline protection effort.
Learn More About the Project
Project Background
Ashbridges Bay Park is a unique artificial landform that was created as part of a lakefilling project to expand the land east of Coatsworth Cut, following the development of the Ashbridges Bay Wastewater Treatment Plant.
After development, the park was opened to the public in 1977. Today, the park is used for its many amenities including an intricate trail system, marina, fishing boardwalks and picnic areas.
Erosion control structures along the shoreline of Ashbridges Bay Park have been subjected to constant wave action, ice effects and flooding since its construction. Over time, the structure has lost much of the cobble, rubble, and rip rap material that makes up the beach.
This loss of material has resulted in the erosion of the backshore. During recent significant weather events, such as the high lake levels of 2017 and 2019 and the April 14-15 wind storm, existing deficiencies have been exacerbated.
As a result of the erosion, TRCA annual monitoring records show that the structural stability of the beach has failed since 2018. The erosion of the backshore has caused many trees to fall and has placed the adjacent Martin Goodman Trail at risk, creating a public safety concern and limiting public access to the shoreline.
As a result, fencing has been placed around the affected trail area by the City of Toronto for public safety.
Scope of Work
The goal of the project is to restore and enhance the original erosion control capabilities of the beach by repairing the structure. Repair work includes construction of a shoreline rip rap beach along the western portion of the site and a nearshore underwater rip rap reef along the eastern portion of the site.
The proposed structures will provide shoreline protection and allow the area to absorb wave impact and changes to lake levels more effectively, while promoting aquatic habitat enhancement in Lake Ontario.
The general scope of work for the Project includes the following items:
Beach Major Maintenance Works: Completed October 2021
- Site preparation, including installation of sediment and erosion control measures, and construction fencing
- Placement of new rip rap material on slope and in nearshore reef
- Site restoration
Next steps include:
The project scope was expanded to include trail widening along the project area, which is tentatively scheduled to be undertaken in May 2022. Restoration plantings will be undertaken following completion of the trail widening works.
Construction Information
The work and transportation of materials will primarily be completed by barge, with the exception of TRCA or City of Toronto approved work vehicles driving along the park path. As of November 2020, work has been delayed due to low water levels and implementation is expected to commence in April 2021.
To ensure public safety, an area along the shoreline of Ashbridges Bay Park, including a portion of the trail, will be closed during the work. For your safety, please respect all posted construction signs and stay clear of the work areas and equipment. Your cooperation and patience with this undertaking is appreciated.
Update 2021-11-05: Please note that construction of the revetment and nearshore reef is substantially complete, however, trail widening works are scheduled to be undertaken in May 2022. As a result, the construction fencing will remain in place until this work is completed. Thank you for your patience with this undertaking.
*Timelines may be subject to change.
Notice of Construction
Notice of Construction signs will be placed at the park entrances and members of the community will be updated before construction begins. The Notice of Construction is available for viewing at the link below:
Progress Updates
Update: October 1, 2019
- W. F. Baird & Associates Coastal Engineers Ltd. was retained as coastal engineering consultants to design the new beach system
- Detailed designs being are being finalized
Update: February 21, 2020
- Detailed designs have been finalized
Update: May 13, 2020
- Awaiting final permits
Update: November 30, 2020
- Project has been delayed due to low water levels and implementation is expected to commence in Spring 2021
Update: April 30, 2021
- Construction crews from Galcon Marine Limited have mobilized and installed construction fencing at the site
Update: June 23, 2021
- Construction crews importing material by barge to construct the rip rap revetment
Update: July 24, 2021
- Construction crews continuing construction of the shoreline revetment
Update: August 24, 2021
- Construction has commenced on the nearshore reef
Update: September 8, 2021
- Construction crews continuing to place material for the nearshore reef
Update: October 28, 2021
- Construction of the revetment and nearshore reef are substantially complete
Update: December 21, 2021
- Armourstone curb has been placed at the top of the revetment along the crest of the slope
- Construction fencing to remain in place until trail widening works are undertaken in May 2022
Update: June 10, 2022
- TRCA crews have mobilized to undertake base works to widen the trail behind the revetment. Asphalt paving is tentatively scheduled to be undertaken in Summer 2022.
Update: July 28, 2022
- Asphalt paving of the trail along the revetment is complete. Final restoration works adjacent to the trail are tentatively scheduled to be undertaken by TRCA crews in Fall 2022.
Update: August 3, 2022
- TRCA crews have completed restoration work along the trail edge (placement of topsoil and seeding).
Contact Us
The Planning Team is located at TRCA’s Boyd Field Centre in Vaughan:
Restoration and Infrastructure Division, Erosion Risk Management
9755 Canada Company Avenue
Vaughan, Ontario
L4H 0A3
For more information regarding this project, please contact:
Danielle Dellandrea, Project Manager
Erosion Risk Management
Restoration & Infrastructure Division
danielle.dellandrea@trca.ca
(416) 786-5064