Item - 2025.MM32.22

Tracking Status

  • City Council adopted this item on July 23 and 24, 2025 with amendments.

MM32.22 - Authorization to Release Section 37 Funds to Support the Redesign of the Vale of Avoca Ravine to Include a Missing Walking Trail Connection - by Councillor Josh Matlow, seconded by Mayor Olivia Chow

Decision Type:
ACTION
Status:
Amended
Wards:
11 - University - Rosedale, 12 - Toronto - St. Paul's

City Council Decision

City Council on July 23 and 24, 2025, adopted the following:

 

1. City Council increase the 2025-2034 Capital Budget and Plan for Parks and Recreation by $250,000 gross and $0 debt, fully funded by:

 

a. Section 37 community benefits obtained from the development at 1331 Yonge Street in Ward 12, secured for improvements to the Vale of Avoca Ravine (Source Account: XR3026-3700853), in the amount of $250,000.00; and

 

for the purpose of funding the detailed design of a comprehensive restoration of the Vale of Avoca Ravine, including erosion control, slope stabilization, trail access, native planting, and the creation of a continuous and accessible ravine trail.

 

2. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, the General Manager, Toronto Water and the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry to establish a Vale of Avoca Ravine Working Group composed of relevant community stakeholders, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and City staff to seek feedback from the community for the restoration of the Vale of Avoca and to provide project updates.


3. City Council direct the Director, Capital Projects Design and Delivery to oversee the coordination and delivery of the Vale of Avoca restoration project in consultation with the Vale of Avoca Ravine Working Group.

Background Information (City Council)

Communications (City Council)

(July 20, 2025) Letter from John Bossons and Tim Ross, Co-chairs, The Midtown Ravines Group (MM.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2025/mm/comm/communicationfile-195093.pdf
(July 22, 2025) E-mail from Kathy Falconi and Catherine Morton (MM.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2025/mm/comm/communicationfile-195121.pdf
(July 22, 2025) Letter from Ian Carmichael and John Caliendo, Co-Chairs, The ABC Residents Association (MM.Supp)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2025/mm/comm/communicationfile-195166.pdf
(July 22, 2025) E-mail from Joan York (MM.New)
(July 22, 2025) Letter from Geoff Kettel, Co-Chair, Federation of North Toronto Residents' Associations (MM.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2025/mm/comm/communicationfile-195260.pdf
(July 22, 2025) Letter from Cynthia Crysler, Deer Park Residents Group (MM.New)
https://www.toronto.ca/legdocs/mmis/2025/mm/comm/communicationfile-195288.pdf
(July 23, 2025) E-mail from Nicole Corrado (MM.New)
(July 23, 2025) E-mail from Nicole Corrado (MM.New)

Motions (City Council)

Motion to Waive Referral (Carried)

Speaker Nunziata advised Council that the provisions of Chapter 27, Council Procedures, require that Motion MM32.22 be referred to the Executive Committee. A two-thirds vote of the Council Members present is required to waive referral.


1 - Motion to Amend Item (Additional) moved by Mayor Olivia Chow (Carried)

That:

 

1. City Council direct the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, the General Manager, Toronto Water and the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry to establish a Vale of Avoca Ravine Working Group composed of relevant community stakeholders, the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and City staff to seek feedback from the community for the restoration of the Vale of Avoca and to provide project updates.


2. City Council direct the Director, Capital Projects Design and Delivery to oversee the coordination and delivery of the Vale of Avoca restoration project in consultation with the Vale of Avoca Ravine Working Group.


Motion to Adopt Item as Amended (Carried)
Source: Toronto City Clerk at www.toronto.ca/council