1. EAST DON TRAIL ENVIRONMENTAL ASSESSMENT Project Overview Ward 31 Ravine Meeting November 4, 2013 7:00 to 9:00 p.m. Presteign-Woodbine United Church

2. Background The East Don Trail Environmental Assessment Bikeway Trails Implementation Plan City of Toronto audit of its existing major multi-use trail network to assess the viability of new connections Plan was approved by City Council on June 6, 2012 The East Don Trail is the largest and most complex multi-use trail project in the Plan and is identified as a short-term priority The East Don Trail Project A feasibility study was completed to assess the potential for a trail system through the East Don Corridor The study determined that a trail was possible and identified potential technical challenges The East Don Trail Environmental Assessment (EA) study is the next step in this process The EA is being carried out by the City of Toronto and the Toronto and Regional Conservation Authority, with Aquafor Beech Limited

3. Study Area & Problem/Opportunity Statement The East Don Trail Environmental Assessment Problem/Opportunity Statement A significant gap in the multi-use trail network exists within the East Don Corridor between the existing East Don Trail (East of Wynford Heights Crescent), Gatineau Corridor Trail (at approximately Bermondsey Rd), and the Don Trail System. The East Don Trail will fill this existing gap in the trail network thus creating a continuous connected trail network.

4. Public Consultation The East Don Trail Environmental Assessment Public Information Centre (PIC) PICs are public events in which the public are invited to learn more about the project and provide comments Two out of three PICs have been held (Feb 13 and Sept 12, 2013) Community Liaison Committee (CLC) Made up of stakeholder representatives Identify public concern related to the impact and design of the project, and offer advice or potential solutions to resolve these concerns The CLC has met four times and will meet up to two additional times during the study process. Project Website www.toronto.ca/eastdontrail Subscribe to the email list for project updates, link found on the website

5. Trail Objectives The East Don Trail Environmental Assessment Safe access for all users into the valley Off road options for cycling and recreation Emergency response and maintenance Public Safety Manage informal trails Aiming to avoid, prevent or minimize negative impacts Access to discover and appreciate natural areas Natural Environment Key connection linking local and inter-regional trail systems Connections Trail and outdoor recreational opportunities for variety of users Recreation Function as a safe travel route to everyday places and amenities Transportation Coordinate with other planning initiatives for future integration (e.g. Eglinton Cross-town LRT) Supports Other Initiatives

6. East Don Trail EA Process PHASE 4 Environmental Study Report PHASE 5 Implementation PHASE 1 Identification of Opportunity or Problem Identify the problem/opportunity and develop statement Define project objectives Prepare a detailed inventory of existing conditions PHASE 2 Alternative Solutions Identify and Evaluate Alternative Solutions (Alternatives To and Alternative Trail Alignments) Select a preferred Alternative Solution PHASE 3 Alternative Design Concepts for the Preferred Solution Identify and Evaluate Alternative Design Concepts Select a Preferred Design Concept Complete Environmental Study Report File with Ministry of the Environment for 30 day public review Complete contract drawings and tender documents Proceed to construction Monitor construction for adherence to environmental provisions and commitments PIC #1 CLC #2 PIC #3 CLC #4 PIC #2 CLC #5 We are here now CLC #1 CLC #3 October 2012 – June 2013 January – October 2013 October 2013 – March 2014 March – May 2014 EA Phase 2014 to 2016 Public Consultation Public Review of Environmental Study Report (ESR) PIC#1 PIC#2 PIC#3 We are here!

7. Alternative Solutions The East Don Trail Environmental Assessment Alternative Solutions are feasibly different ways of addressing the Problem/Opportunity Statement. They are identified, evaluated and a preferred solution is selected Evaluation of Alternative Solutions was done as a two-step process: –Step 1: “Alternatives To” Included Do Nothing and Provide a Multi-use Trail Connection The option Provide a Multi-Use Trail Connection was chosen to move forward to Step 2 (based on problem/opportunity statement, project objectives and evaluation) –Step 2: “Alternative Trail Alignments” Represent trail route options for providing a Multi-Use Trail Connection Draft evaluation was presented at PIC#2, the project team is reviewing comments and input and a preferred solution will be selected in the upcoming weeks

8. Area 1 (two alignments): Forest Trail A Forest Trail B Area 2 (nine alignments): Road Link A, B and C River Walk A, B and C Rail Trail A, B and C Area 3 (three alignments): Access Route A Access Route B Access Route C Alternative Trail Alignments The Alternative Trail Alignments were broken down into 3 distinct areas, based on infrastructure and property challenges, and river sections. Each area was evaluated separately.

9. Next Steps The East Don Trail Environmental Assessment Determine preferred Alternative Trail Alignment Detailed field work including: trees inventory, topography survey, and borehole investigations Identify and evaluate Alternative Design Concepts for the Preferred Trail Alignment Present Alternative Design Concepts to public at next Public Information Centre (Spring 2014). You are invited to learn more and to share your insights and opinions at any time. For more information, please contact: Maogosha Pyjor Public Consultation Unit, City of Toronto Metro Hall, 19th Floor, 55 John St. Toronto, ON M5V 3C6 Tel: 416-338-2850 TTY: 416-397-0831 Fax: 416-392-2974 Email: eastdontrail@toronto.ca Website: www.toronto.ca/eastdontrail