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. 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 River 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.

The Terms of Reference establish the scope and nature of the Environmental Assessment to be undertaken for the project. TRCA’s technical work on the EA is ongoing. Several public forums have been held throughout the process to seek feedback and advice from stakeholders.

For more information on the project please visit TRCA's website.