Our primary objective is to ensure Metrolinx’s widening of the rail corridor is sensitively planned and coordinated with teh community, such that the final solution restores and re-connects teh ravine, prioritizes ecological function and enhances parkland.
To that end, the neighbourhood wants Metrolinx and government to Agree to the following:
1
TECHNICAL REVIEW
We are asking Metrolinx to make available the resources necessary to undertake a re-evaluation of their plan to widen the rail corridor adjacent to the Small’s Creek and Williamson Ravines to be completed by an independent group of subject matter experts. The objective of this study would be to identify, develop, and recommend alternative designs that provide room for the fourth rail without destroying the ravine. The study would be done holistically and consider not only construction cost and schedule efficiency, but also the equally important need to preserve the existing recreational trails, the natural ecosystem, as many of the large native trees as possible, and the ability of the ravine to contribute to the fight against climate change.
2
Connectivity
As part of the widening of the rail corridor, Metrolinx has identified the need for a new 2m diameter culvert to be installed connecting Small’s Creek on the north and south sides of the railway line, and a large 400ft retaining wall to support the new electrification system of the line. As a once in a generation opportunity, we believe now is the time to reconnect the Small’s Creek ecosystem that has been separated for over 100 years. While the screened culvert will allow small animals and amphibians to cross, the design should include a safe pedestrian and wildlife underpass crossing for larger mammals such as coyotes and foxes, common to this area. This would better align with the Toronto Ravine Strategy’s goals of investing, connecting, partnering and protecting the city’s ravines, by reconnecting environmentally sensitive aquatic and terrestrial habitat. Improving the landscape connectivity by co-ordinating this restoration work with the railway line construction will maximize the positive impact of the project, and create an important ecological and pedestrian link for current and future generations of humans and All Our Relations.
proactive ecological planning and stewardship plan
Given that transit improvement has a 15 year outlook, including funding for maintenance, similar funding and stewardship of the ravines is required to ensure their success too.
Instead of a minimal retroactive restoration plan, we are advocating for a proactive ecological planting and stewardship plan. This is consistent with the priorities guiding the Toronto Ravine Strategy and the United Nations Nature Based Solutions approach. The current Metrolinx plan involves clear cutting the south bank of Small’s Creek and replacing it with a concrete barrier. This will lead to an immediate loss of shade on the creek and wetland, destruction of the natural habitat for local wild and aquatic life and create an environment that will allow for an even more aggressive infestation of invasive species including Norway and Manitoba maples.
While the growth of public transit is essential to a vibrant city, so too are the shared natural spaces that are at risk.