Protecting Our Ravines & Building a Stronger Toronto

Living in Don Valley North, you know how lucky we are to be surrounded by some of Toronto’s most beautiful natural spaces. If you live near the Upper Don or Newtonbrook Creek, you already know how special these ravines are. They’re where we walk the dog, spot wildlife, and get a breath of fresh air away from the city bustle. Our ravine system is one of Toronto’s greatest natural assets, but it’s also delicate. Stormwater, erosion, and aging infrastructure all take their toll.

Keeping these green corridors healthy takes ongoing investment and coordination. That’s why I’m inviting you to an upcoming Ravine Information Session on November 18th, where City and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) staff will provide a comprehensive update on all the projects underway, and those still to come.

You’ll hear updates on:

• Trail re-opening schedules following erosion repair work along Newtonbrook and German Mills Creek

• Bridge rehabilitation at Forest Grove Drive

• Future erosion protection projects that will protect infrastructure while keeping our ravines healthy and accessible

• Upcoming sewer rehabilitation work to improve system performance with minimal trail disruption

RSVP Here.

These projects address critical erosion issues, stabilize slopes, protect infrastructure, and restore natural habitats. Most importantly, they ensure our ravines remain safe, accessible, and resilient for years to come.

If you’re a regular ravine user or simply care about protecting this vital part of our community, I encourage you to join us, hear directly from the experts, and ask questions about what’s next for these treasured green spaces.

A Quick Word on the Federal Budget

This week’s Federal Budget arrived with plenty of headlines, and now, the real work begins.

As Budget Chief, I pay close attention to how federal budgets impact Toronto’s finances. About 25% of City’s revenue comes from federal and provincial partners who help fund the services we deliver on their behalf.

Our City teams and I will be reviewing the details closely to understand how new funding commitments will support Toronto’s priorities, including housing affordability, community safety, and economic growth.

A few key areas we’ll be watching:

• The Build Canada Homes initiative, with billions in funding for new and affordable housing construction

• Continued investments in public transit, including new subway cars for Line 2 and regional transit improvements

• Ongoing support for youth safety programs, which have been proven to reduce violence and create better opportunities for young people

While the announcements are encouraging, the next step is to determine how much of this investment will flow to Toronto, and how we can make the most of every federal dollar to strengthen our city.

I also want to thank our local Members of Parliament for their continued partnership and advocacy for Toronto. Working together across all levels of government is how we make real progress on housing, affordability, and community safety.