Full Environmental Review for Trail

Summary#

Toronto City Council approved confidential directions to its legal staff after the Province ordered an individual environmental assessment for a short new trail segment on the Humber River Trail. The order changes the project’s approval path from a streamlined municipal process to a full, project‑specific review. The goal appears to be to set the City’s legal and project strategy while trying to complete the trail connection.

• The project is an 800‑metre multi‑use trail to close the “Mid Humber Gap” between Mallaby Park and the south entrance to Crawford‑Jones Memorial Park.
• The City and Toronto and Region Conservation Authority (TRCA) had completed a Municipal Class Environmental Assessment (a faster, standard process for routine municipal work).
• On January 18, 2023, the Minister of Environment, Conservation and Parks ordered an individual environmental assessment (a longer, more detailed review usually used for larger or more complex projects).
• Council adopted confidential instructions to staff and allowed the City Solicitor to release those instructions later, at their discretion.
• The confidential attachment with legal advice and financial impacts remains sealed.
• The report notes the gap creates safety and accessibility problems, including stairs and an on‑street detour.

What it means for you#

• Trail users

  • The existing gap and stairs remain in place for now. An individual assessment would likely add time before construction can start.
  • The trail connection, meant to improve safety and accessibility, could be delayed.

• Nearby residents and park users

  • You may see more study work and public consultation as part of an individual assessment.
  • The preferred “in‑valley” route (Concept 1A) that Council endorsed in 2022 may be reviewed again as part of a new assessment process.

• Taxpayers

  • Costs could increase due to more detailed studies and possible legal work, but no public estimate is available.

• Community and environmental groups

  • A fuller, project‑specific assessment could mean more opportunities to review environmental effects and suggest mitigation measures.

• City and TRCA staff

  • Staff must respond to the Minister’s order and follow Council’s confidential directions on next steps.

Expenses#

No publicly available information.

• The report says the financial impacts are in a confidential attachment reviewed by the Deputy City Manager and Chief Financial Officer.
• An individual environmental assessment typically involves more studies, consultation, and documentation, which may raise costs.
• There may be legal costs related to responding to the order, but no details are public.

Proponents' View#

• The item appears intended to set a clear legal and project strategy so the City can respond to the Province and work toward completing the trail.
• Closing the gap could improve safety and accessibility by removing stairs and the on‑street detour.
• The City and TRCA already did technical studies and public consultations under the Municipal Class Environmental Assessment; supporters may argue this shows due diligence to date.
• Allowing the City Solicitor to decide if and when to release instructions protects legal privilege while leaving room for later transparency.

Opponents' View#

• One concern is transparency: key directions and cost details are confidential, so the public cannot see the City’s planned approach or budget impacts.
• It is unclear how long the individual assessment will take and when the trail connection will be built.
• If the City pursues legal steps in response to the order, this could lead to added costs and delays.
• The Minister’s order implies the area may need deeper review; some may prefer the City focus resources on completing the individual assessment rather than challenging the process.