Item - 2021.EY22.26

The Etobicoke York Community Council:

1. Requested the Director, Community Planning Etobicoke York District, and Director, Parks Development and Capital Projects, to consult with the Governments of Ontario and Canada, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Waterfront Toronto, and any other waterfront organizations, to develop a plan and identify funding sources to extend Mimico Waterfront Park between Royal York Road and First Street, through the sale and development of privately owned lands, and any other means available to acquire the lands, and report back to Etobicoke York Community Council in Q4 2021.

The Mimico Waterfront Park, situated between Humber Bay Park West and Norris Crescent Parkette, is a 1.1km multi-use waterfront trail created by Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) with funds provided by Waterfront Toronto. It was developed in two phases, the first completed in 2008 and the second in 2012. It provides safe access to the waterfront, improves the ecological functioning of this section of the Lake Ontario shoreline and offers environmental, economic and social benefits to the Mimico community and broader region.

Currently the Waterfront Trail along Lake Ontario ends at Norris Crescent, travels north to Lake Shore Boulevard West, and then continues as a cycle track west along Lake Shore Boulevard West to First Street. There are several privately-owned parcels of land along Lake Ontario that preclude the trail from continuing westward. Many of these lands are vacant, for sale, or are being assembled for development. This presents an opportunity to acquire the lands abutting Lake Ontario for the purpose of connecting and continuing the Mimico Waterfront Park westward.

This motion seeks a report from City staff, working jointly with the federal and provincial levels of government, TRCA, Waterfront Toronto and other waterfront organizations, with a plan to extend Mimico Waterfront Park between Royal York Road and First Street, through the sale, acquisition, and development of privately owned lands, including identify potential sources of funding.