Guildwood Parkway Erosion Control Project - Phase II
The Project
The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) is interested in undertaking remedial erosion control works along a portion of the Lake Ontario shoreline known as the Guildwood Parkway sector, located at the base of the Scarborough Bluffs in the City of Toronto. Phase I of the Guildwood Parkway Erosion Control Project was initiated in 1987 to protect properties at the top of the Scarborough Bluffs from erosion caused primarily by wave action from Lake Ontario. A revetment was selected as the preferred measure, and was to extend from the end of the Guild Inn access road to 481 Guildwood Parkway at Morningside Avenue, however unresolved property issues resulted in the revetment being re-designed to terminate below 467 Guildwood Parkway leaving nine properties to the east unprotected. Phase II of the project was initiated in 2004 to complete the shoreline protection for the remaining properties along the Guildwood Parkway sector.
Project Objectives
Currently, the project site consists of bluffs fronted by a narrow beach composed primarily of gravel and sand material. The bluffs rising high above Lake Ontario are extremely steep shoreline features comprised of soft rock, clay, till and/or glacial sediment. These materials are highly susceptible to erosion, possessing a significant safety hazard as the potential for slope failure is high and the properties at the top of the bluffs are occupied with residential dwellings. The objective of the Guildwood Parkway Erosion Control Project-Phase II is to complete shoreline protection work for the remaining properties on the street, from 467-483 Guildwood Parkway and consequently provide long-term protection against erosion. The preferred measure will be selected through the Class Environmental Assessment (Class EA) process.
Planning Mechanism for the Undertaking
TRCA initiated the Class EA process for the Guildwood Parkway Erosion Control Project in January, 2004. To date two meetings have been held with the Community Liaison Committee to investigate the range of alternatives available for shoreline protection and to provide feedback on these options. TRCA is currently pursuing a design which preserves and enhance the existing beach and has the least amount of impact on the current passive use of the waterfront such as walking. The preferred design also minimizes the impact on the natural environment.
Public and Agency Consultation
TRCA will submit the Environmental Study Report in support of the Guildwood Parkway Erosion Control Project for approval by the Ministry of the Environment under subsection 7(1) of the Environmental Assessment Act (EAA) by the end of 2004.
TRCA will then proceed to consult with the following agencies to finalize all other project authorizations and approvals:
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans - Fish Habitat Management;
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans - Canada Coast Guard; and
- Ministry of Natural Resources.
The project may also assessed against the requirements of Section 36 (3) of the federal Fisheries Act and the Migratory Birds Conservation Act by Environment Canada.
For more information, please contact Moranne Burnet, Project Planning Coordinator at 416-392-9690 or mburnet@trca.on.ca.
