Rouge National Urban Park Beach & Boardwalk Project
As part of the revitalization of the Rouge Beach area, Parks Canada is planning a new signature trail that will connect the waterfront to the Mast trail. There are three potential routes for this hiking trail and elevated boardwalk. Of particular concern to our community is the “Route 3: West Boundary” option that cuts through and/or abuts many private properties that reach to the ravine. Please see below for Parks Canada’s graphics depicting the potential routes, and links to current plans.
The Feasibility Report states that a MINIMUM of 300,000 visitors a year would use the Boardwalk – assuming three times as many go on the weekend, this means in excess of 500 users every weekday and 1,500 users each weekend day. Our issue should not just be which route do we prefer — why is this needed at all?
Considering the negative effects on wildlife, including the many protected and endangered species in the marsh, the noise, garbage, and security issues generated by so many visitors in what is now one of the very few remaining areas of pristine urban environment should be our major concern.
Three Proposed Routes for the New Trail
ROUTE 2 - WEST BANK CROSSING TO EAST BANK
ROUTE 1 - WEST BANK
ROUTE 3 - WEST BOUNDARY
Have Your Say.
Sign up for a virtual community workshop to speak directly with the Parks Canada team.
Upcoming workshop dates:
Tuesday, April 27, 2021, 6:30-8:30pm
Wednesday, April 28, 2021, 2-4pm
Saturday, May 1, 2021, 10am-12pm
Share Your Feedback with Parks Canada
If you can’t make it to a community workshop, you can still reach out to Parks Canada directly.
The current deadline for public feedback on this project is May 1, 2021.
Contact your elected representatives
Federal MP
Gary Anandasangaree
416-283-1414
Gary.Anandasangaree.A1@parl.gc.ca
Ontario MPP
Vijay Thanigasalam
416-283-8448
vijay.thanigasalam@pc.ola.org
Toronto City Council
Jennifer McKelvie
416-338-3771
councillor_mckelvie@toronto.ca
Project Details
According to Parks Canada, ”This project features a revitalization of the Beach Day Use Area, one of the most visited areas in Rouge National Urban Park; a new trail that will provide an in-park connection from Rouge Beach to the existing Mast trail; and a revitalization of the existing Mast Trailhead, which will be the northern limit of this new trail. This project will enhance and further protect the natural and cultural integrity of the area and foster meaningful connections to its beauty and rich history.”
Technical Feasibility Study
A study was completed by AECOM Canada Ltd on behalf of Parks Canada to provide professional analysis and recommendations on the planning and design of the boardwalk project. It covers all three route options in detail, and discusses the environmental considerations for each.
In regards to Route 3 - West Boundary (the route that directly impacts our properties) there is a brief comment that states, “Of note, during the site visit several encroachments by adjacent homeowners were noted. This may delay the design and construction process” in the report, but this is not mentioned on the website with the survey information.
RNUP Management Plan (2019)
Parks Canada has also provided a detailed management plan, outlining their strategies and intentions for the next ten years of development and conservation in the Rouge National Urban Park.