Item - 2026.IE27.7

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommend that:

1. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry to negotiate and execute an agreement with Park People on behalf of the City to implement the InTO the Ravines Program for a term expiring on December 31, 2026, renewable at the Executive Director's sole option (and subject to annual budget approval) for up to two additional terms of one year each, expiring on December 31, 2028, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Executive Director and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to accept third-party funds and donations raised through the Loop Trail fundraising campaign, and to contribute the accepted funds and donations to the Loop Trail Budget and Plan for the purpose of capital improvements to advance the Loop Trail project.

3. City Council authorize the permanent implementation of the Community-led Restoration Program by Environment, Climate and Forestry Division substantially as outlined in section two to the report (February 10, 2026) from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, and the General Manager, Parks and Recreation.

4. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, or their designate, during the life of the Community-led Restoration Program authorized in Part 3 above, to execute and enter into agreements with organizations who have applied and been accepted to participate in the Community-led Restoration Program outlined in the report (February 10, 2026) from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry and General Manager, Parks and Recreation, each with terms and conditions acceptable to the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry and each in a form acceptable to the City Solicitor.

5. City Council authorize the City's participation in Cities With Nature, an initiative that recognizes and enhances the value of nature in and around cities across the world, including the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry submission of an application for the City to participate.

6. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, to include an analysis of cycle access along the Loop trail in the second quarter of 2027 cycling network plan report to Infrastructure and Environment Committee.

7. City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in consultation with the City Solicitor and the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to report back to Infrastructure and Environment Committee in the second quarter of 2026 on options to enhance protection of ravines from ravine-edge real estate development, including an analysis of increasing the buffer between development sites and sensitive ravines.

The Infrastructure and Environment Committee recommend that:

1. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry to negotiate and execute an agreement with Park People on behalf of the City to implement the InTO the Ravines Program for a term expiring on December 31, 2026, renewable at the Executive Director's sole option (and subject to annual budget approval) for up to two additional terms of one year each, expiring on December 31, 2028, on terms and conditions satisfactory to the Executive Director and in a form satisfactory to the City Solicitor.

2. City Council authorize the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to accept third-party funds and donations raised through the Loop Trail fundraising campaign, and to contribute the accepted funds and donations to the Loop Trail Budget and Plan for the purpose of capital improvements to advance the Loop Trail project.

3. City Council authorize the permanent implementation of the Community-led Restoration Program by Environment, Climate and Forestry Division substantially as outlined in section two to the report (February 10, 2026) from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, and the General Manager, Parks and Recreation.

4. City Council authorize the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, or their designate, during the life of the Community-led Restoration Program authorized in Part 3 above, to execute and enter into agreements with organizations who have applied and been accepted to participate in the Community-led Restoration Program outlined in the report (February 10, 2026) from the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry and General Manager, Parks and Recreation, each with terms and conditions acceptable to the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry and each in a form acceptable to the City Solicitor.

5. City Council authorize the City's participation in Cities With Nature, an initiative that recognizes and enhances the value of nature in and around cities across the world, including the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry submission of an application for the City to participate.

6. City Council direct the General Manager, Transportation Services, in consultation with the Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, to include an analysis of cycle access along the Loop trail in the second quarter of 2027 cycling network plan report to Infrastructure and Environment Committee.

7. City Council direct the Chief Planner and Executive Director, City Planning, in consultation with the City Solicitor and the General Manager, Parks and Recreation, to report back to Infrastructure and Environment Committee in the second quarter of 2026 on options to enhance protection of ravines from ravine-edge real estate development, including an analysis of increasing the buffer between development sites and sensitive ravines.

The Executive Director, Environment, Climate and Forestry, and the Director, Urban Forestry, Environment, Climate and Forestry, gave a presentation on Ravine Strategy 2026 Implementation Update.

Toronto's ravines are one of the city’s most important natural assets. They provide $822 million annually in ecological and recreational services, support biodiversity, house critical grey and green infrastructure, and offer essential spaces for recreation and well-being. Nearly 90 per cent of respondents to the 2015 Ravine Strategy survey agreed that ravines are vital to their quality of life.

City Council adopted the Ravine Strategy (the "Strategy") in 2017 (2017.EX27.8) as a coordinated, long-term approach to protect, manage, and celebrate Toronto’s ravine system. Since the 2020 Ravine Strategy Implementation report (2020.EX12.1), the City, working with the Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and numerous partners, has significantly advanced restoration, community engagement, and capital investment.

An initial update on the implementation of the Ravine Strategy was provided in 2022. As per Council direction, this report provides a second update on implementation of the Ravine Strategy and outlines:

-  Progress on key actions and guiding principles, including expanded community-led engagement and stewardship

-  Advancement of the Loop Trail and the Ravine Campaign

-  Capital investments supported by intergovernmental funding and coordinated planning, and,

-  International recognition of Toronto’s leadership in nature-based solutions

Key achievements since 2020 include:

-  3,760 hectare of land restored, including management of invasive species

-  521 tonnes of garbage and metal removed from 681 ha of ravine land

-  181 students engaged through employment and training programs

-  265 Ravine Days outdoor and virtual events delivered

-  Over 20,000 participants engaged in City and partner events

-  16 capital projects delivered (such as wetland restoration, multi-use trail upgrades, wayfinding), totalling $12.3 million ($10 million in federal and provincial grants and $2.3 million from the City)

-  Capital constraints in Priority Investment Areas reduced from $104.9 million to $50.2 million (2026), through increased intergovernmental and City investment

These accomplishments reflect the Strategy’s approach: coordinated action, strong partnerships, and shared stewardship across divisions, communities, and organizations.

Looking ahead, the City will continue to protect, maintain, and enhance Toronto’s ravine system so residents and visitors can connect with these vital natural spaces. Achieving this vision requires the ongoing leadership and support of multiple City Divisions and sustained collaboration with Toronto and Region Conservation Authority, Indigenous partners, external organizations, and engaged residents.