City of Toronto reopens the Lower Don Trail

TORONTO, Sept. 23, 2017 /CNW/ - Mayor John Tory, joined by Councillor Mary-Margaret McMahon (Ward 32 Beaches-East York), Chair of the City's Parks and Environment Committee, Councillor Mary Fragedakis (Ward 29 Toronto-Danforth), Councillor Kristyn Wong-Tam (Ward 27 Toronto Centre-Rosedale) and representatives from partners Evergreen and the Trans Canada Trail, reopened the Lower Don Trail this morning as part of Ravine Days, a weekend-long celebration of Toronto's unique ravine network.

"For many Torontonians this trail is a cherished escape and a chance to experience nature in the heart of the city," said Mayor Tory. "I'm delighted to see the improvements we've made and I'm proud of the innovative partnerships that have made it possible."

The reopened trail includes:

• a new trail bridge over the Don River at Pottery Road
• a wider, safer trail tunnel under the currently inactive Metrolinx rail line at the Belleville underpass
• new art installations in the Lower Don Parklands, in partnership with Evergreen
• a connection to the Bayview multi-use trail, including a connection to the Brick Works.  

The City also launched the Parks and Trails Wayfinding Pilot today, with new signage along the trail.

Ravines define Toronto's landscape. Over 17 per cent of Toronto's total area is ravine land and 87 per cent of Toronto's Environmentally Significant Areas are found in ravines. Ravine Days coincide with the presentation of the Ravine Strategy to City Council's Executive Committee for approval on September 26 and subsequently to City Council on October 2 to 4. The final strategy, centred around five themes: Protect, Invest, Connect, Partner and Celebrate, will build on the draft principles that were released for public feedback in June 2016. More Ravine Days activities are listed at http://www.toronto.ca/ravines.

Toronto is Canada's largest city, the fourth largest in North America, and home to a diverse population of about 2.8 million people. It is a global centre for business, finance, arts and culture and is consistently ranked one of the world's most livable cities. In 2017, Toronto is honouring Canada's 150th birthday with "TO Canada with Love," a year-long program of celebrations, commemorations and exhibitions. For information on non-emergency City services and programs, Toronto residents, businesses and visitors can visit http://www.toronto.ca, call 311, 24 hours a day, 7 days a week, or follow us on Twitter at http://www.twitter.com/TorontoComms and on Instagram at http://www.instagram.com/cityofto.

SOURCE City of Toronto