Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA), in partnership with the City of Toronto, is undertaking remedial flood and erosion control works to stabilize the valley slope and provide long-term protection for private properties located at 30, 32 & 36 Rose Park Crescent, in the City of Toronto.
Project Location
The Project area is located northeast of Yonge Street and St. Clair Avenue, in the City of Toronto. Residential properties on Rose Park Crescent back onto the crest of a steep valley slope near Yellow Creek, within the Vale of Avoca Ravine.
Learn More About the Project
Project Background
Following the May 2017 rainfall and flooding event, Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) was notified of a major slope failure behind three residential properties located at 30, 32 and 36 Rose Park Crescent, in the City of Toronto.
Considering the extensive damage and close proximity of the failure to residential properties, TRCA implemented interim protection measures in May 2017, which included the extension of all downspouts to the toe of slope and covering the entire exposed slope face with tarps.
TRCA subsequently retained the geotechnical engineering firm, Terraprobe Inc., in June 2017, to complete a geotechnical investigation to confirm the cause and extent of slope instability and risk to essential infrastructure.
The results of the investigation confirmed that one residential dwelling is at risk in the long term should no stabilization works be undertaken.
Changes in site conditions and observations of accelerated erosion and slumping observed in June 2018 prompted the recommendation to expedite the planning and design process in accordance with the emergency works provisions in Conservation Ontario’s Class Environmental Assessment for Remedial and Flood Control Projects (2013).
Due to the risks to public safety, TRCA issued an emergency works declaration in November 2018.
Upon completion of a competitive procurement process in 2019, Midome Construction Services Ltd. was awarded the contract to develop the designs and implement construction at the project site.
Scope of Work
The goal of this project is implement a slope stabilization solution that will ensure long term stability for the residential dwellings at the top of slope.
Work will include removal any failed material resulting from the slope failure, and construction of a rubble fill buttress. Drainage structures will be incorporated to manage groundwater and engineered fill will be used reshape the valley wall behind the three properties.
Site restoration will be completed following construction, including vegetation of the buttress using a native seed mix. Additional trees will be planted to offset the trees that were removed as part of the works.
Construction Information
Construction started in June 2020 and should be completed by Fall 2020.
Prior to undertaking work, Midome Construction Services Inc. installed perimeter construction fencing around the work site to ensure public safety and isolate the work area. Erosion and sediment controls were also implemented.
Site access will be from the top of slope and the construction will be limited to private lands. This will strongly mitigate some of the impacts to the valley land and will keep equipment and materials away from Yellow Creek, ensuring minimal damage to the ecological health of the ravine and watercourse.
Regular construction updates will be posted to keep stakeholders aware of new information as it becomes available.
Public Notices
Declaration of Emergency Works
TRCA declared emergency works on November 19, 2018. An emergency works declaration was distributed to Councillor Mike Layton (Ward 11), as well as to the City of Toronto and the Ministry of the Environment, Conservation and Parks (MECP).
Notice of Construction
TRCA has installed the following information signs on the construction fencing around the perimeter of the work area on Rose Park Crescent. In addition, TRCA hand delivered notice letters to residences near the project area prior to construction.
Project Updates
Check here for weekly construction updates. Our team greatly appreciates your continued patience while we work on this project.
Update: July 3, 2020
Temporary construction fencing to delineate the work area and temporary staging area has been installed. Tree protection fencing has also been installed and required tree removals/pruning completed to facilitate restoration works. Erosion and sediment control measures have been installed throughout the site, installation of the conveyor belt to facilitate efficient material delivery completed and the removal of debris and talus material commenced.
Update: July 17, 2020
Continuation of talus removal by mini-excavator. It is anticipated the talus removal will be completed the week of July 20, 2020 and perforated drainage pipes installed shortly after.
Update: July 30, 2020
Removal of the talus was completed. Rubble fill and temporary subdrain pipes have been installed to direct seepage water away from the footprint of the buttress. Permanent subdrain pipes are being installed behind 30-36 Rose Park Crescent and are anticipated to be complete the week of August 3, 2020.
Update: August 14, 2020
Permanent subdrain pipes have been installed behind 30-36 Rose Park Crescent to ensure adequate drainage is built into the the rubble fill buttress. Rubble fill material is being imported to site and will be placed as per design to construct the buttress. It is anticipated that construction of the buttress will be complete in the beginning of September 2020.
Update: August 28, 2020
Rubble fill material is being imported to site and placed as per design. Midway construction of the rubble fill buttress is anticipated to be complete during the week of September 7, 2020.
Update: September 11, 2020
Rubble-fill material continues to be imported to site to continue construction of buttress. Buttress construction is now 50% complete.
Update: September 25, 2020
Buttress construction is now complete. Removal of heavy equipment from site and restoration works will be completed over the next several weeks.
Update: October 9, 2020
Most of the heavy equipment has been removed from site. The Project is now in the restoration phase.
Update: November 20, 2020
All site restoration work is now complete, marking the conclusion of the construction phase for this project. Site restoration included applying topsoil throughout the project area, seeding the buttress with a native restoration seed mix, planting native shrubs and trees, and installing an erosion control blanket to protect exposed soil until substantial germination of seed and plants is achieved.
Contact Us
The Project Planning Team is located at TRCA’s Boyd Field Centre in Vaughan:
Restoration & Infrastructure Division, Engineering Projects
9755 Canada Company Ave
Vaughan, Ontario
L4H 0A3
For more information regarding this project, please contact Jaya Soora, Project Manager.
Jaya Soora, Project Manager
Engineering Projects
Restoration & Infrastructure Division
jaya.soora@trca.ca
416-661-6600 ext. 5533