Sinkhole at Coxwell and Cosburn Avenues causes basement flooding and street closures

By MATTHEW STEPHENS

A large sinkhole at the intersection of Coxwell and Cosburn avenues has shut down the intersection as a repair crew works to implement repairs. 

“Thank God nobody got hurt… It could have been a school day,” said an unnamed local resident reflecting on the sunken street adjacent to East York Collegiate.  

According to city officials, the collapsed street was the result of a watermain break, which occurred late Wednesday, Aug. 27, night.

According to the city, the watermain appears to be made of cast iron and was installed in the 1940s.

In addition to the large sinkhole at the southwestern corner of the intersection, the incident caused street flooding, pavement damage, as well as two reported basement floodings. 

Crews have been working throughout the night to carry out emergency repairs. They remain on site to carry out work to prevent further flooding and support residents impacted by the sinkhole.

Initial work to address the sinkhole saw Toronto Water repair crews pumping out water from the hole.  

Crews could later be seen drilling to break up remains of the sunken street behind caution tape and road closure signs. 

TTC services will be diverting routes from the closed intersection until repairs are complete. 

In a statement on X, Beaches-East York Councillor Brad Bradford urged residents to avoid the intersection if possible, and that the city would be providing more updates as the situation progresses.  

“Major sinkhole this morning – avoid the Coxwell and Cosburn area if you can,” said Bradford on his X account. 

“The city will provide more updates as the timeline becomes clearer.” 

In a statement from Toronto-Danforth Councillor Paula Fletcher, she said the closure will have a significant impact on traffic in the area, and that she has been in contact with city transportation to ensure safe and effective travel.

“This is a massive sinkhole. As Cosburn is a main artery it will have a major effect on traffic and also getting to the local schools,” said Fletcher told Beach Metro Community News.

“Toronto Water is working to establish the extent of the issue as well as the repair plan. I have asked city Transportation to review the traffic impacts and take necessary steps to ensure student access to local schools and assist motorists with safe travel.”

City staff have confirmed an estimated timeline for road restoration will be shared once further investigation is completed.

“It’s difficult to assess the extent of the damage to the watermain until crews have excavated and exposed the damaged section,” said Toronto Water.