Toronto moving forward with plans for super Don River Valley Park

Photo: Evergreen Brick Works

If you’ve ever explored the green corridor in the Don Valley, you know about the abundance of parkland and trails. Adjacent the Don River, the area is mostly used by cyclists, runners and urban hikers. But the lower part of the Don Valley has been neglected for over a century, environmentally abused as a dumping ground and waste sink for industry.

Mayor John Tory, along with Evergreen Canada, announced further details Tuesday to create a ravine “super park” in Toronto. The massive 480-acre green space will span from the Evergreen Brick Works south to Lake Ontario.

Originally announced last year, the project is now getting off the ground with private donor support.

“Toronto was built around its ravines. They give the city a unique identity that has defined how our city has grown," Tory says. "This project allows us to celebrate our ravines, talk about the important role they play for our residents, our resilience and our quality of life. With the help of private donors, we will continue to make improvements to the Lower Don Valley, like new way-finding signage and entry points that will help residents access and navigate this park.”

The super park, officially called Don River Valley Park, is part of a plan to revitalize the Don River and enhance the natural environment, build connections, improve access for everyone and generate cultural activity. This includes improving access points by creating cycling and pedestrian walkways, way-finding signage, art displays along trails and enhancing the forest canopy.

To find out more about the master plan, proposed timelines, plus information on the landscape and how to get involved in the future of this green space, visit donrivervalleypark.ca.