Introduction

Proponent

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority

Location

The Port Union area within the City of Toronto

Type

Other

Reference Number

97110

Contact

Environmental Approvals Branch, 416-314-8001

Toll free 1-800-461-6290

Current Status

Environmental assessment: approved, May 2, 2001

Project Summary

The purpose of the undertaking is to make improvements to the Port Union Waterfront area of Lake Ontario.

Project History

  • Environmental assessment: approved
    • Date submitted:  January 21, 1999
    • Expiry of public comment period:  March 11. 1999
    • Expiry of public comment period for Ministry Review:  September 21, 2000
    • Decision date: May 2, 2001
  • Terms of reference: approved
    • Date submitted:  January 29, 1998 (PD 16/02/97)
    • Expiry of public comment period:  March 19, 1998
    • Decision date: June 9, 1998

Environmental Assessment

The Toronto Region Conservation Area (TRCA) submitted an environmental assessment to the Ministry of the Environment on January 21, 1999 for approval to make improvements to the Port Union Waterfront area of Lake Ontario. A Terms of Reference for this undertaking was approved on June 9, 1998. This proposal includes lakefilling for a waterfront corridor to accommodate two pedestrian tunnels under a railway line and a waterfront trail along Lake Ontario between Highland Creek and the Rouge River. Furthermore, the proposal seeks to reconfigure the lakeshore to include two series of headland beach systems, a larger headland to serve as a pedestrian node, an extension of the Port Union Village Common, as well as two existing dynamic beaches at the western and eastern ends of the project.

The publishing of the government review of this project was delayed due to the presence of outstanding issues with the Department of Fisheries and Oceans, the Coast Guard and the Federal Department of the Environment regarding the requirements of the Canadian Environmental Assessment Act (EAA). The government review of this project was published on August 21, 2000 and the review was made available for a public and agency comment period, which ended September 21, 2000. Following an evaluation of the public and agency comments, the ministry forwarded a recommendation to the Minister. The project received approval on May 2, 2001.

Terms of Reference

Description of the undertaking being considered

The Toronto and Region Conservation Authority is interested in proceeding with the further development and implementation of a plan for waterfront improvement in an area adjacent to Lake Ontario, between Highland Creek and the Rouge River. The area in which the Project would be carried out is centred on Port Union Road and is approximately 3.6 km (3600 m) in length. It is bounded by Lake Ontario to the south, Highland Creek to the west and Rouge River to the east. The CN Railway traverses this area very close to the shoreline of Lake Ontario.