Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) undertook emergency works along a section of Yellow Creek for the protection of essential infrastructure and public safety. To improve channel stability and function, TRCA is planning to undertake channel maintenance and repairs beginning Spring 2024.
Project Location
The project area is located within the Vale of Avoca Ravine (also referred to as the Yellow Creek ravine) and is generally located southeast of Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue East, in the City of Toronto. The area of concern is a section of Yellow Creek that runs directly below Summerhill Gardens south of David A. Balfour Park.
Learn More About the Project
Project Background
TRCA staff visited Yellow Creek in January 2019 to identify key areas of erosion concern along the watercourse. During this field work, staff found an erosion site at the toe of a steep slope below Summerhill Gardens.
An existing stone and mortar retaining wall next to the slope below Summerhill Gardens was also found to be exposed due to erosion.
Due to the undermining of this retaining wall, elevated flows during storm events were passing underneath and eroding the toe of slope below Summerhill Gardens. This erosion was impacting an existing pedestrian trail and created a public health and safety concern within the ravine. Should no action be taken, continued erosion may have caused future slope failures and threatened essential infrastructure located at the top of slope.
Due to the risks to public health and safety, as well as essential infrastructure, TRCA declared emergency works within Yellow Creek below Summerhill Gardens on July 31, 2019. TRCA completed these works in Spring 2020.
The goal of that project was to decrease the risk of future slope failures within the project area. TRCA accomplished this through the removal of the exposed stone and mortar retaining wall, realigning the channel away from the western valley slope, and constructing new structures designed to stabilize the channel bed and banks.
Shortly after construction, deficiencies in the new channel configuration were identified on site due to higher than expected levels of flow. As such, TRCA will be undertaking repairs to address these deficiencies to improve channel function and ensure long-term stability within the channel beginning Spring 2024.
Scope of Work
After post–construction monitoring of the original works, it was determined that the higher than expected levels of flow was too great for the original channel repair design. Thus, with the help of consultants, a more robust design was completed with the additions of armourstone drop structures and energy dissipation pools. These new structures will help slow down the high rate of flow within the channel, helping to prevent further erosion from occurring.
Throughout 2024, TRCA intends to:
- Finish construction of the channel repairs and work to restore the natural area
- Host a community planting event (details to be provided when available)
Construction Information
Emergency works construction started in Summer 2019 and was completed in Spring 2020. For more information on this previous part of the project please click here https://staging.trca.ca/conservation/erosion-risk-management/restore/yc-project-archive/
The scheduled start date for the new channel repairs is slated for Spring 2024. Signs and notices for the upcoming construction have been distributed and this section will be updated upon commencement of the project.
Public Notices
Declaration of Emergency Works
TRCA declared emergency works on July 31, 2019. An emergency works declaration was distributed to Councillor Mike Layton (Ward 11) as well as to the City of Toronto, the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP), and local residents associations.
Notice of Construction
TRCA installed the following information sign at multiple locations throughout the Vale of Avoca Ravine. TRCA also delivered notices to project stakeholders and residences surrounding the project area to notify them of TRCA’s upcoming construction activities.
Trail Closures
To ensure public safety and alert trail users, TRCA will close sections of the trail system within the Vale of Avoca Ravine while construction is underway and install trail closure signs where applicable.
Project Updates
2022
- Retained a design engineer to develop detailed designs
- Commenced developing detailed designs of the channel repair works
2023
- Completed detailed designs for the channel repair works
- Obtained all necessary permits, approvals, and agreements
- Set-up construction for Spring 2024
Contact Us
For more information regarding this project, please contact Courtney Munro, Project Manager:
Courtney Munro, Project Manager
Erosion Risk Management
Restoration & Infrastructure
courtney.munro@trca.ca
(647) 426 4492