Don Mouth Naturalization and Port Lands Flood Protection Project
Naturalizing the mouth of the Don River and providing flood protection to the Port Lands were identified as one of the top priorities for all three levels of government when they first announced the establishment of Waterfront Toronto in 2001. On August 17, 2006, planning for this work moved a significant step forward when Toronto and Region Conservation (TRCA), the project lead, received approval for the Environmental Assessment Terms of Reference from the Ontario Ministry of Environment.
“The Terms of Reference set the parameters for the environmental work that is going to be done at the mouth of the Don River,” said Adele Freeman, watershed director with TRCA. “Renaturalizing the river mouth is a complex endeavour, particularly since the Don is located in an area with a rich cultural heritage and is densely occupied by the roads, bridges, buildings, boats, trails and other infrastructure that is essential to making the city work.”
A naturalized Don Mouth will enhance water and land habitat for natural species and create the potential to re-establish wetlands in the area that were lost 100 years ago. The project will also create flood barriers for the Port Lands area which has been identified as one of the greatest flood risks in downtown Toronto.
“Numerous groups have been working for years to restore the river mouth because the area has such great significance to the waterfront’s revitalization. Located where three new important pieces of the city will come together – the East Bayfront, Port Lands, and West Don Lands communities, this project has the potential to create one of the jewels of Toronto’s waterfront,” said Freeman.
The Terms of Reference establish the scope and nature of the Environmental Assessment to be undertaken for the project. While TRCA’s technical work will continue, several public forums will be held throughout the process to seek feedback and advice from stakeholders.For more information on this project please visit TRCA's website by clicking here.