Beachfront gathering highlights concerns over Scarborough Bluffs Revitalization Study
By SUSAN LEGGE
East Toronto residents and Indigenous community members gathered at the Silver Birch off-leash dog area on Nov. 2 for a sacred fire ceremony and drum circle, aiming to raise awareness about proposed changes to the shoreline stretching from Silver Birch Avenue to Bluffer’s Park at Brimley Road.
The project, a partnership between the Toronto Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) and the City of Toronto, explores options for the naturalized areas.
Proposed changes include an eastward extension of the paved path with a 15-foot-wide trail that could connect to Brimley Road. In a response sent to Beach Metro Community News after this story was first posted online, City of Toronto Media Relations said design options for the trail have yet to be developed.
Organizers such as southwest Scarborough resident Carrie Bryce are concerned that the trail could act more as a road, potentially disrupting natural spaces and creating new access points with unforeseen impacts on traffic and local ecosystems.
Bryce pointed out that the trail is intended for emergency vehicle access, calling the term “trail” misleading.
City of Toronto Media Relations said in its response that “the proposed trail is primarily intended for access by people, not vehicles, but will seek to accommodate some form of EMS access where possible.”
“Effects of the trail on natural spaces, ecosystem, traffic, private property and local communities will be assessed during the environmental assessment phase,” the city’s response added.
Additionally, Bryce noted that some residents fear the pathway might lead to expropriation of private lakefront property between the R.C. Harris Water Treatment Plant and Bluffers Park.
According to Toronto.ca, a draft of the Scarborough Bluffs West Terms of Reference Draft Public Review 2024 examines ways to enhance waterfront access in East Toronto, while protecting sensitive shoreline and natural areas. The project goals include:
- Improving waterfront access and movement
- Providing a connected trail system, with feasibility studies for a shoreline trail
- Preserving and enhancing the natural environment, including the Bluffs’ cultural significance
- Minimizing natural hazards and risks due to erosion
Bryce, a realtor and Kingsbury Crescent resident, stressed the need for transparency in the project, suggesting the “revitalization” label might mislead the public.
Despite two public meetings held by the TRCA, some residents feel the information provided has been insufficient.
“It’s very confusing for the public,” she said.
“Two public meetings have been held, not three. However, there has been additional community engagement and one-on-one meetings with urban Indigenous communities, land owners, community advisory group and community members,” said the city in its response.
Bryce said there is a growing number of community residents who are concerned about the plan and who are advocating for alternatives to “hardening” the shoreline—a process that could involve artificial reinforcements rather than preserving its natural state.
“Other countries have stopped doing this,” said Bryce. “We should look at what else can be done.”
As the community awaits further updates, Bryce emphasized the need for ongoing dialogue about environmental preservation and transparency.
She noted that plans for another gathering are underway, though a date is not yet set.
EDITOR’S NOTE: This story has been changed to include new information and facts provided by City of Toronto Media Relations in a Nov. 6 response to the original posting of this story on Nov. 4.
