Port Union Waterfront Park
Project Update
Construction on Phase 2 continues with completion expected in summer 2012. The Port Union Waterfront Park - Phase 1 has been open to the public since 2006.
You can access the first phase of the park via the pedestrian bridge over Highland Creek from East Point Park or via the pedestrian underpass at the Village Common. Parking is available at East Point Park and there is limited parking on Port Union Road. Visitors are encouraged to use public transit, including the GO Train, to visit the park.
Click to download the Phase 2 Landscape Plan - 3,555K 
Click to download the Community Newsletter, Fall 2011 - 5,218K
Click to download the Community Newsletter, Spring 2011 - 248K
Click to download the Community Newsletter, Summer 2010 - 2,904K
Click to download the Community Newsletter, Winter 2009-2010 - 1,752K
Click to download Port Union Phase 2 - Construction Newsletter - 63K
The Project
The Port Union Waterfront Park Project will result in the creation of a unique park amenity on the Lake Ontario waterfront between the mouth of Highland Creek and the Rouge River. The implementation of this project will include improved recreational access to the waterfront, 3.6 km of waterfront trail, shoreline protection and the creation of additional terrestrial and aquatic habitat. Funding of $25 million for this project is provided by the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation.
Click here to download Phase 1 and Phase 2 Concept Plans.
Project Objectives
The Port Union Waterfront Park Project was developed to achieve the following objectives:
- Provide safe access to the Port Union shoreline and connecting trail systems
- Integrate the recommendations of the Shoreline Regeneration and Public Safety, Natural Heritage and Public Use Strategies of TRCA's Integrated Shoreline Management Plan into any proposed development within the Port Union area
- Assist with the completion of the Lake Ontario Greenway through this section of Toronto in cooperation with the Waterfront Regeneration Trust and local municipalities
- Provide natural linkages between the lake and greenspace within the Port Union community between Highland Creek to the west and the Rouge River to the east
- Improve and enhance the terrestrial and aquatic habitats within this shoreline corridor
Project Approvals
Click to download the Port Union Waterfront Park Project Environmental Assessment Study -11,643K
TRCA received Approval to Proceed with the Port Union Waterfront Park Project from the Ministry of the Environment under subsection 7(1) of the Environmental Assessment Act on May 2, 2001. The environmental assessment was prepared as directed by the Terms of Reference, as approved by the Minister of the Environment on June 9, 1998.
In December 2003, Transport Canada, as the agency through which funds flowed from the Toronto Waterfront Revitalization Corporation, triggered the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act process. TRCA was notified on June 4, 2004, pursuant to subsection 20(1) of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act that the Responsible Authority (Transport Canada) made a determination that the Port Union Waterfront Park Project could proceed.
Immediately following this notification, the Responsible Authority became Human Resources and Skills Development Canada (HRSDC). Further to Transport Canada's notification to proceed, HRSDC made a determination that the project would not cause significant adverse environmental effects and notified TRCA on July 28, 2004 that the project could proceed.
Further authorizations and approvals which were secured in support of the project include:
- Ministry of Citizenship, Culture and Recreation - Approved Cultural Heritage Resource Study
- 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
- Department of Fisheries and Oceans - Canada Coast Guard Section 5 (1) of the Navigable Waters Protection Act and Exemption under Section 5 (2) of the Navigable Waters Protection Act
- Ministry of Natural Resources - Section 2, Ontario Regulation 453/96, Public Lands Act
Public and Agency Consultation
The Port Union Waterfront Park Project was developed through an extensive public consultation process that included the formation of a working group, composed of private and public stakeholders, to guide the project. 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 Committee and Open House Community Meetings on construction progress.
One such Open House was held on Wednesday, March 21, 2012 at the West Rouge Community Centre from 6:30 - 8:00pm. Approximately 50 members of the Port Union community were in attendence. The presentation given at the meeting described the landscape plan and next steps, and can be found here.
Public Safety
In the interest of public safety, the Phase 2 construction site is 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.
