Mimico Waterfront Park
Project Update
TRCA commenced construction of Phase 2 this summer! Construction activities include lakefilling to create a land base for a new section of the Waterfront Trail. Other park amenities include cantilevered boardwalks and aquatic and terrestrial habitat improvements. The park is expected to be open to the public in fall 2012.
TRCA completed Mimico Waterfront Park - Phase 1, stretching from Superior Avenue to Norris Crescent Parkette, in July 2006.
Click to link to the Mimico Waterfront Park Landscape Plan
Click to download the Community Newsletter, Fall 2011 - 3,796K
Click to download the Community Newsletter, Spring 2011 - 664K
Click to download the Community Newsletter, Summer 2008 - 959K
Click to download Mimico Waterfront Park Opening and Community Celebration Flyer - 166K
The Project
Mimico Waterfront Park will result in the creation of a linear park amenity on the Lake Ontario waterfront between Humber Bay Park West and Norris Crescent Parkette, within the City of Toronto. The implementation of this project will include the creation of a section of the Waterfront Trail, cantilevered boardwalks, formation of a sheltered embayment, the installation of a sand dune feature and cobble beaches, as well as further enhancements to terrestrial and aquatic habitats. Funding of $18 million for this project is provided by the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation.
Phase 1 included the creation of two small headlands and three cobble beaches, a rounded shoreline at the foot of Superior Avenue. A partly sheltered embayment, a boardwalk and a sand dune feature in the backshore was created at Amos Waites Park. Terrestrial and aquatic habitat enhancement work was also undertaken as part of Phase 1.
Phase 2 works will result in the creation of a 250 metre long boardwalk and multi use Waterfront Trail between Superior Avenue and Grand Harbour. Additional activities will include the creation of small pockets of wetland habitat between the boardwalk and shoreline as well as terrestrial and aquatic habitat enhancements.
Project Objectives
The objectives of the project are to resolve land ownership issues and remove physical barriers in order to create a safe and accessible waterfront. This project is a collaborative initiative to provide environmental, economic and social benefits to the Mimico community and the City of Toronto.
Project Approvals
Click to download the Mimico Waterfront Linear Park Study -6,930K
TRCA received Approval to Proceed with the Mimico Waterfront Park from the Ministry of the Environment under subsection 7(1) of the Environmental Assessment Act on August 11, 2004. The environmental assessment was prepared as directed by the Terms of Reference approved by the Minister of the Environment on November 13, 2001.
In 2003, the federal, provincial and municipal governments were asked to consider including the Mimico Waterfront Park as a project to be funded under the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Initiative (TWRI) through a contribution agreement between the three governments and the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation (TWRC). The federal funds for the TWRI flow through Transport Canada. In anticipation that the project would receive federal funds, Transport Canada participated in the federal environmental assessment as a Responsible Authority.
TRCA was notified on December 12, 2004, pursuant to subsection 20(1) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act that the responsible authorities (Human Resources and Skills Development Canada, Department of Fisheries and Oceans and Transport Canada) made a determination that the Mimico Waterfront Park project could proceed. Further authorizations and approvals which were secured in support of the project include:
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans - Fish Habitat Management Authorization for the harmful alteration, disruption or destruction of fish habitat pursuant to subsection 35 (2) of the Fisheries Act
- Ministry of Culture - Approved Stage 1 Archeological Assessment
- Transport Canada - Authorization pursuant to the Navigable Waters Protection Act
Public and Agency Consultation
The Mimico Waterfront Park Project was developed through an extensive public consultation process that began in 1999 and included the formation of a working group, composed of private and public stakeholders. A comprehensive listing and details of all meetings and events pertaining to the development of the project is provided in the Environmental Assessment document. Public input and consultation continues into the implementation phase through the Working Implementation Group.
Public Safety
In the interest of public safety, once Phase 2 commences, the construction site will be restricted to authorized personnel only and will remain closed to public access until construction is completed.
For more information, please contact Nancy Gaffney, Waterfront Specialist at 416 661-6600, ext. 5313.
