Item - 2026.IE31.1

The Executive Director of Environment, Climate and Forestry recommends that:  

1. The Infrastructure and Environment Committee receive this report for information.

Toronto’s Ravine Strategy (the “Strategy”) provides a long-term framework for protecting, restoring, and enhancing Toronto’s ravine system as a key component of the city’s green infrastructure. The Strategy guides how the City manages and invests in ravines to support ecological health, improve access to natural areas, and expand opportunities for recreation and active transportation.

"Connect" is one of five guiding principles of the Strategy. Toronto’s ravines provide opportunities for residents and visitors to connect with nature, the city’s rich history and each other, and to access these spaces in a safe and sustainable manner. The Strategy envisions a more connected network of trails and greenspaces such as linking the Loop Trail, The Meadoway, and Rouge National Urban Park into a continuous, city-wide system.

This report provides an overview of the existing trail networks and outlines key physical and jurisdictional considerations to the planned trail connection between the Loop Trail and The Meadoway. Through coordinated efforts between the City of Toronto, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority and many community and funding partners, infrastructure improvements are well underway with new sections open to the public in summer 2026. The new safe and accessible connection between The Meadoway and the Loop Trail is anticipated to be completed and open to the public by the end of 2027.

There are no financial implications resulting from the adoption of this report.