Toronto River Project Will Provide Greenspace and Flood Control

Kenyon Wallace takes a closer look at the Port Lands Flood Protection Project, a $1.25 billion project to naturalize the Don River pathway and help with flood control through construction of a river valley that will result in an island at the river’s mouth.

"The Port Lands, located south of Lake Shore Boulevard between Leslie Street in the east and Cherry Street in the west, are a primarily industrial and commercial neighbourhood built on landfill that was once home to oil tank farms, factories and a city incinerator," writes Wallace.

He describes the different phases of the project in more detail, including the excavation of the river valley, treatment of groundwater, and landscaping along the edge of the river. The entire area will also be raised and will undergo soil stabilization.

"The new island, named Villiers Island, will feature parklands, walking and biking trails, and residential and commercial real estate (not to mention great views of the city skyline). It will also feature the only natural shoreline within the inner harbour, allowing for easy entry into Lake Ontario with canoes and kayaks," says Wallace.